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March 3, 2010:

AWWA Public Affairs Advisories

Below please find the link to a public affairs advisory that went to member utilities this morning soliciting information about programs and materials that help utilities reduce customer water use. Please feel free to share this request with Sections and non-utility members.

http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/03_02_10_Conservation%20Program%20Guide.pdf

Below please find the link to a second public affairs advisory that went to member utilities this today, regarding UC Berkeley’s announcement about a recent study which, according to the researchers, shows atrazine is impacting the ability of frogs to reproduce and may be a cause of declining amphibian populations across the globe. Talking points are included.

http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/03_02_10_atrazine.pdf

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March 1, 2010

Proposed Chapter 109 Drinking Water Fee Package

The Department will present a proposed Chapter 109 Drinking Water Fee package to our advisory committee (TAC) on Tuesday, March 9th. Here is the link to the agenda and fee package materials for the March 9th meeting: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/technical_assistance_center_(tac)/14016.

The proposed fee package:

* Is intended to protect public health, augment the General Fund, and ensure state and federal program commitments are met and primacy is retained.

* Will generate nearly $8.4 M and cover 75% of our state costs.

* Includes increased permit fees for all public water systems (PWSs), and new annual fees for community water systems (CWSs) and bottled, vended, retail and bulk water haulers (BVRBs). The proposed annual fees range from $300 - $60,000. (Note: Annual fees for noncommunity water systems (NCWS) will be considered in 3 years.)

www.depweb.state.pa.us

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February 23, 2010

CONTACT:
EPA Press Office
press@epa.gov
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2010

Statement of Lisa P. Jackson Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Legislative Hearing on EPA’s 2011 Budget Proposal
Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

Chairman Boxer and Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you to discuss the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed budget. Let me first say that I am particularly proud of the Fiscal Year 2011 budget as it reflects President Obama’s continuing commitment to providing the environmental protection that keeps our communities healthy and clean and his commitment to fiscal responsibility. Families across America are tightening their budgets; the President has directed us to do the same.

Environmentalism is a conversation that we all must have because it is about protecting people in the places they live, work and raise families. In FY 2011, the Agency is focused on expanding the conversation to include new stakeholders and involve communities in more direct ways. Over the years, EPA has worked to prevent pollution at the source and promoted the principles of responsible environmental stewardship, sustainability, and innovation. EPA works to improve and encourage sustainable practices and help businesses and communities move beyond compliance to become partners in protecting natural resources, managing materials more wisely, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving the environment and public health.

Today’s challenges require renewed and refocused efforts to address old pollution and prevent new pollution. The $10 billion proposed for EPA in the FY 2011 President’s budget will support key priorities during this time of fiscal challenges. These themes are: taking action on climate change; improving air quality; assuring the safety of chemicals; cleaning up our communities; protecting America’s waters; expanding the conversation on environmentalism and working for environmental justice; building strong state and tribal partnerships; and maintaining a strong science foundation.

These themes are aligned with a government-wide effort to identify near-term high priority performance goals. For EPA, such goals include reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions, improving water quality, and delivering improved environmental health and protection to our communities. EPA will work toward meeting these goals over the next 18 to 24 months.

Madam Chairman and Members of the Committee let me touch on some of the highlights of this budget, both the hard choices and the targeted investments that will protect our health and the environment, advance creative programs and innovative solutions, and help build a new foundation for our prosperity.

Taking Action on Climate Change

EPA continues to take meaningful, common sense steps to address climate change. Making the right choices now will allow the agency to improve health, drive technology innovation, and protect the environment; all without placing an undue burden on the nation’s economy. The budget includes a requested increase of more than $43 million for additional regulatory efforts aimed at taking action on climate change. It includes $25 million for state grants focused on developing technical capacity to address greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. It also includes $13.5 million in funding for implementing new emission standards that will reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from mobile sources such as passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles, developing potential standards for large transportation sources such as locomotives and aircraft engines, and analyzing the potential need for standards under petitions relating to major stationary sources – all through means that are flexible and manageable for business.

A request of $21 million will support continued implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule to ensure the collection of high quality data. This budget also requests an additional $3.1 million to promote work on current and future carbon capture and sequestration projects.

Improving Air Quality

To improve air quality we’ll continue our support of enhanced monitoring and enforcement efforts already underway. We are also requesting $60 million for state grants to address new and expanded National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) as well as air monitoring requirements. Through the Healthy Communities Initiative we will provide $6 million to improve air toxics monitoring capabilities and address compliance and enforcement issues in communities. I will have more to say both about the Healthy Communities Initiative and our efforts to improve air quality momentarily.

Assuring the Safety of Chemicals

Assuring the safety of chemicals in our products, our environment and our bodies is of utmost concern, as is the need to make significant and long overdue progress in achieving this goal.   Last year, I announced principles for modernizing the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). At the end of 2009, we released our first ever chemical action plans for four groups of substances, and more plans are in the pipeline for 2010. Using our streamlined process for Integrated Risk Information System assessments, we will continue strong progress toward rigorous, peer reviewed health assessments. Additionally, we will continue focus on high-profile IRIS assessments on dioxins, arsenic, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene (TCE) and other substances of concern.

We are proposing $56 million for chemical assessment and risk review, including continued development of chemical management plans, to ensure that no unreasonable risks are posed by new or existing chemicals. Further, this budget invests $29 million in the continuing effort to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. We will implement the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule to address lead hazards created by renovation, repair and painting activities in homes and child occupied facilities with lead based paint. In FY 2011, $6 million would support national efforts to mitigate exposure to high risk legacy chemicals, such as mercury and asbestos.

Cleaning Up Our Communities

Among our highest priorities in this budget are investments in new and innovative strategies for cleaning up communities, especially to protect sensitive populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases. We will continue to focus on making safer, healthier communities. To clean up our communities, we’re proposing investments that will get dangerous pollution out, and put good jobs back in.

This budget proposes $215 million for Brownfields, an increase of $42 million to support planning, cleanup, job training and redevelopment of Brownfields properties, especially in underserved and disadvantaged communities. EPA encourages community development by providing funds to support community involvement and is adding area wide planning efforts to enhance the positive impacts associated with the assessment and cleanup of Brownfields sites. Through area wide planning, particularly by focusing on lower income communities suffering from economic disinvestment, Brownfield properties can be redeveloped to help meet the needs for jobs, housing, and infrastructure investments that would help rebuild and revitalize these communities, as well as identify opportunities to leverage additional public and private investment. We’ll also provide funding for assessment and cleanup of underground storage tanks and other petroleum contamination on Brownfields sites.

In addition, we’re proposing $1.3 billion for Superfund cleanup efforts across the country. We will continue to respond to emergencies, clean up the nation’s most contaminated hazardous waste sites, and maximize the participation of liable and viable parties in performing and paying for cleanups.   EPA will initiate a multiyear effort to integrate and leverage our land cleanup authorities to address a greater number of contaminated sites, accelerate cleanups, and put sites back into productive use while protecting human health and the environment. The new Integrated Cleanup Initiative represents EPA’s commitment to bring more accountability, transparency and progress to contaminated site cleanups.

This budget also requests $27 million for a Healthy Communities Initiative which covers clean, green, healthy schools; community water priorities; sustainability and the air toxics monitoring in at risk communities I mentioned earlier. Six million dollars is requested for the Clean, Green, and Healthy Schools Initiative to support states and communities in promoting healthier school environments, to broaden the implementation of EPA’s existing school environmental health programs including asthma, indoor air quality, chemical clean out, green practices, enhanced use of Integrated Pest Management, and safe handling of PCB-containing caulk. The Agency will work in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services to accomplish this initiative.

The Healthy Communities Initiative also includes an increase of $5 million for and Smart Growth work, including the Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities with the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. The Smart Growth program works with federal partners and stakeholders to minimize the environmental impacts of development.

These modest investments will make real, measurable, improvements in a small number of pilot communities. In addition, the strategies that will be developed could be used in communities across the nation.

Protecting America’s Waters

Protecting America’s waters is a top priority and EPA has an ambitious vision for the nation’s waters in the years ahead. Water quality has tremendous impacts on quality of life, on economic potential, and on human and environmental health. In FY 2011, EPA continues its commitment to upgrading drinking water and wastewater infrastructure with a substantial investment of $2 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving fund and $1.3 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. EPA, the states, and community water systems will build on past successes while working toward the FY 2011 goal of assuring that 91 percent of the population served by community water systems receives drinking water that meets all applicable health based standards.

EPA’s partnership investments will allow States and Tribes to initiate approximately 800 clean water and 500 drinking water projects across America, representing a major federal commitment to water infrastructure investment. These investments send a clear message to American taxpayers that our water infrastructure is a public health and environmental priority.

The FY 2011 budget request supports national ecosystem restoration efforts; $300 million is requested for the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system in the world. This multiagency restoration effort represents the federal government’s commitment to significantly advance Great Lakes protection, with an investment of over $775 million over two years. The focus is on addressing critical environmental issues such as contaminated sediments and toxics, nonpoint source pollution, habitat degradation and loss, and invasive species, including Asian carp.

We’re requesting $63 million for the Chesapeake Bay program including increased funding to implement President Obama’s Chesapeake Bay Executive Order. We are accelerating implementation of pollution reduction and aquatic habitat restoration efforts to ensure that water quality objectives are achieved as soon as possible. A centerpiece of EPA’s FY 2011 Chesapeake Bay activity is the implementation of the nation’s largest and most complex Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the entire Bay watershed. The TMDL will involve interstate waters and the effects on water quality from the cumulative impact of more than 17 million people, 88,000 farms, 483 significant treatment plants, thousands of smaller facilities, and many other sources in the 64,000 square mile watershed

In addition, the budget request includes $17 million for the Mississippi River Basin. EPA will work with the Department of Agriculture and states to target nonpoint source reduction practices to reduce nutrient loadings. EPA will also work with other Federal partners to target two high priority watersheds in the Mississippi River Basin to demonstrate how effective nutrient strategies and enhanced partnerships can address excessive nutrient loadings that contribute to water quality impairments in the basin and, ultimately, to the hypoxic conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.

The budget also proposes $10 million for green infrastructure research, more than doubling research that offers the potential to help us transition to more sustainable water infrastructure systems.

Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism and Working for Environmental Justice

We have begun a new era of outreach and protection for communities historically underrepresented in environmental decision making. We are building strong working relationships with tribes, communities of color, economically distressed cities and towns, young people and others, but this is just a start. We must include environmental justice principles in all of our decisions. This is an area that calls for innovation and bold thinking, and I am challenging all of our employees to bring vision and creativity to our programs. The protection of vulnerable subpopulations is a top priority, especially with regard to children. Our revitalized Children’s Health Office is bringing a new energy to safeguarding children through all of our enforcement efforts. We will ensure that children’s health protection continues to guide our path forward. The increased Brownfields investments I mentioned will target underserved and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods – places where environmental cleanups and new jobs are needed.

We’re also proposing $9 million for Community Water Priorities in the Healthy Communities Initiative; funds that will help underserved communities restore urban waterways and address water quality challenges.

Furthermore, the FY 2011 President’s Budget includes approximately $615 million for EPA’s enforcement and compliance assurance program. This request reflects the Administration’s strong commitment to vigorous enforcement of our nation’s environmental laws and ensures that EPA will have the resources necessary to maintain a robust and effective criminal and civil enforcement program and pursue violations that threaten vulnerable communities.

Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships

Another hallmark of this budget is strengthening our state and tribal partnerships. The budget requests $1.3 billion in categorical grants for state and tribal efforts. State and local governments are working diligently to implement new and expanded requirements under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. New and expanded requirements include implementation of updated National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), for the first time addressing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and addressing growing water quality issues, such as nutrient pollution. This increase includes the $25 million for greenhouse gas permitting activities already mentioned, as well as increases of $45 million for core work under air quality management grants and $15 million for air monitors, all of which I mentioned previously.

We are also requesting $274 million, a $45 million increase over 2010, to help states enhance their water quality programs. New funding will strengthen the base state, interstate and tribal programs, address new regulatory requirements, and support expanded water monitoring and enforcement efforts.

The request also includes increased support for our Tribal partners. In order to help tribes move beyond capacity building to implementation of their environmental programs, $30 million is budgeted for a new competitive Tribal Multimedia Implementation grant program. These grants are tailored to address an individual tribe’s most serious environmental needs through the implementation of Federal environmental programs, and will build upon the environmental capacity developed under the Tribal General Assistance Program (GAP).    To further enhance tribal capacity, this budget also includes an additional $9 million for GAP grants for a total of $71 million. GAP grants develop capacity to operate an environmental program, and support a basic environmental office or circuit rider that can alert the tribe and EPA to serious conditions that pose immediate public health and ecological threats.

Maintaining a Strong Science Foundation

In FY 2011, the range of research programs and initiatives will continue the work of better understanding the scientific basis of our environmental and human health problems   We are requesting a science and technology budget of $847 million to enhance – among other things – research on endocrine disrupting chemicals, green infrastructure, air quality monitoring, e-waste and e-design, and to study of the effects of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water. It’s important to highlight that most of the scientific research increase will support additional Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grants and fellowships to make progress on these research priorities and leverage the expertise of the academic research community. The $26 million increase for STAR includes $6 million for STAR fellowships in support of the President’s priority for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) investments.   This reflects a near doubling of the STAR fellowships program. This budget also supports the study of computational toxicology, and other priority research efforts with a focus on advancing the design of sustainable solutions for reducing risks associated with environmentally hazardous substances.

These are the highlights of a budget that reduces costs while strengthening American communities and boosting the green economy. Responsible, targeted investments will protect our health and the environment, advance creative programs and innovative solutions, and help build a new foundation for our prosperity. Thank you again for inviting me to testify today and I look forward to answering your questions.

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February 9, 2010

Below please find a regulatory alert that went to utility members this morning regarding EPA’s distribution of new guidance on the Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR).

http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/02_08_10_LT2ESWTR_Reg_Alert_v3.pdf

ALSO:

Below please find the link to a press release that went to trade media this morning announcing a collaboration agreement with that licenses the Indian Water Works Association to distribute 27 AWWA Standards in India.

http://www.drinktap.org/mediadnn/Portals/6/PressReleases/02_09_10_IWWA_agreement.pdf

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February 3, 2010

Please find below a link to an AWWA Public Affairs Advisory distributed today regarding a CDC memo on lead service line replacement.

http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/02%5F03%5F10%5Flead%5Fcdc.pdf

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January 27, 2010:
AWWA Public Affairs: Support Efforts to Fund Infrastructure

Below please find the link to a legislative alert that was sent today requesting that utilities contact their U.S. Senators, and ask them to support efforts to fund water infrastructure in the Senate jobs bill.

http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/01%5F26%5F10%5Fjobs%20bill.pdf

For more information, please contact Tommy Holmes at tholmes@awwa.org

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January 12, 2010:
AWWA Press Release

Below please find the link to a press release that went to trade media this morning, announcing the upcoming Inorganic Treatment: Avoiding Inadvertent Compliance Challenges webcast.

http://www.drinktap.org/mediadnn/Portals/6/PressReleases/01_12_10_Inorganic%20Webcat.pdf

For more information please visit www.awwa.org/education/webcasts.

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January 12, 2010:

EPA Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2010

MEMORANDUM

From: Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator

To: All EPA Employees

Colleagues:

Almost one year ago, I began my work as Administrator. It has been a deeply fulfilling 12 months and a wonderful homecoming for me. As our first year together draws to a close, we must now look to the tasks ahead.

In my First Day Memo, I outlined five priorities for my time as Administrator. We have made enormous strides on all five, and our achievements reflect your hard work and dedication. By working with our senior policy team, listening to your input and learning from the experiences of the last 12 months, we have strengthened our focus and expanded the list of priorities. Listed below are seven key themes to focus the work of our agency.

Taking Action on Climate Change: 2009 saw historic progress in the fight against climate change, with a range of greenhouse gas reduction initiatives. We must continue this critical effort and ensure compliance with the law. We will continue to support the President and Congress in enacting clean energy and climate legislation. Using the Clean Air Act, we will finalize our mobile source rules and provide a framework for continued improvements in that sector. We will build on the success of Energy Star to expand cost-saving energy conservation and efficiency programs. And, we will continue to develop common-sense solutions for reducing GHG emissions from large stationary sources like power plants. In all of this, we must also recognize that climate change will affect other parts of our core mission, such as protecting air and water quality, and we must include those considerations in our future plans.

Improving Air Quality: American communities face serious health and environmental challenges from air pollution. We have already proposed stronger ambient air quality standards for ozone, which will help millions of American breathe easier and live healthier. Building on that, EPA will develop a comprehensive strategy for a cleaner and more efficient power sector, with strong but achievable emission reduction goals for SO₂, NO_x, mercury and other air toxics. We will strengthen our ambient air quality standards for pollutants such as PM, SO₂ and NO₂ and will achieve additional reductions in air toxics from a range of industrial facilities. Improved monitoring, permitting and enforcement will be critical building blocks for air quality improvement.

Assuring the Safety of Chemicals: One of my highest priorities is to make significant and long overdue progress in assuring the safety of chemicals in our products, our environment and our bodies. Last year I announced principles for modernizing the Toxic Substances Control Act. Separately, we are shifting EPA’s focus to address high-concern chemicals and filling data gaps on widely produced chemicals in commerce. At the end of 2009, we released our first-ever chemical management plans for four groups of substances, and more plans are in the pipeline for 2010. Using our streamlined Integrated Risk Information System, we will continue strong progress toward rigorous, peer-reviewed health assessments on dioxins, arsenic, formaldehyde, TCE and other substances of concern.

Cleaning Up Our Communities: In 2009 EPA made strong cleanup progress by accelerating our Superfund program and confronting significant local environmental challenges like the asbestos Public Health Emergency in Libby, Montana and the coal ash spill in Kingston, Tennessee. Using all the tools at our disposal, including enforcement and compliance efforts, we will continue to focus on making safer, healthier communities. I am committed to maximizing the potential of our brownfields program, particularly to spur environmental cleanup and job creation in disadvantaged communities. We are also developing enhanced strategies for risk reduction in our Superfund program, with stronger partnerships with stakeholders affected by our cleanups.

Protecting America’s Waters: America’s waterbodies are imperiled as never before. Water quality and enforcement programs face complex challenges, from nutrient loadings and stormwater runoff, to invasive species and drinking water contaminants. These challenges demand both traditional and innovative strategies. We will continue comprehensive watershed protection programs for the Chesapeake Bay and Great Lakes. We will initiate measures to address post-construction runoff, water quality impairment from surface mining, and stronger drinking water protection. Recovery Act funding will expand construction of water infrastructure, and we will work with states to develop nutrient limits and launch an Urban Waters initiative. We will also revamp enforcement strategies to achieve greater compliance across the board.

Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism and Working for Environmental Justice: We have begun a new era of outreach and protection for communities historically underrepresented in EPA decision-making. We are building strong working relationships with tribes, communities of color, economically distressed cities and towns, young people and others, but this is just a start. We must include environmental justice principles in all of our decisions. This is an area that calls for innovation and bold thinking, and I am challenging all of our employees to bring vision and creativity to our programs. The protection of vulnerable subpopulations is a top priority, especially with regard to children. Our revitalized Children’s Health Office is bringing a new energy to safeguarding children through all of our enforcement efforts. We will ensure that children’s health protection continues to guide the path forward.

Building Strong State and Tribal Partnerships: States and tribal nations bear important responsibilities for the day-to-day mission of environmental protection, but declining tax revenues and fiscal challenges are pressuring state agencies and tribal governments to do more with fewer resources. Strong partnerships and accountability are more important than ever. EPA must do its part to support state and tribal capacity and, through strengthened oversight, ensure that programs are consistently delivered nationwide. Where appropriate, we will use our own expertise and capacity to bolster state and tribal efforts.

We will also focus on improving EPA’s internal operations, from performance measures to agency processes. We have a complex organization -- which is both an asset and a challenge. We will strive to ensure that EPA is a workplace worthy of our top notch workforce. Our success will depend on supporting innovation and creativity in both what we do and how we do it, and I encourage everyone to be part of constructively improving our agency.

These priorities will guide our work in 2010 and the years ahead. They are built around the challenges and opportunities inherent in our mission to protect human health and the environment for all Americans. We will carry out our mission by respecting our core values of science, transparency and the rule of law. I have unlimited confidence in the talent and spirit of our workforce, and I will look to your energy, ideas and passion in the days ahead. I know we will meet these challenges head on, as one EPA.

Sincerely,
Lisa P. Jackson

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January 11, 2010

AWWA Public Affairs: Drinking Water Week Information

Below please find the link to an advisory that went to member utilties this morning regarding details for Drinking Water Week 2010.
http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/01_11_09_DWW.pdf

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January 6, 2010

AWWA Washington Report

Click here for more information

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December 23, 2009

AWWA Public Affairs Advisory

Please find below a link to an advisory sent today on an AP story about pharmaceuticals in water.

http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/12%5F23%5F09%5Fassociated%5Fpress%5Fpharms.pdf

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December 17, 2009

Below is a link to a Public Affairs Advisory sent to AWWA utility members today regarding a NY Times article and EWG report.

http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/12_17_09_ewg_nyt_report.pdf

December 16, 2009

AWWA Washington Report

December 11
December 16

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December 14, 2009:
AWWA Press Statement

November 13, 2009

Correction - EQB Proposed Regulation #7-446 (#2806), Wastewater Treatment Requirements

October 23, 2009...AWWA volunteers needed to serve on Councils, Divisions and Committees

To:       Board of Directors
            Section Chairs
            Section Secretaries
            Section Staff

From:   Craig Woolard, AWWA President

Date:   October 6, 2009

Re:       Section Recruitment Efforts Needed!

Action Required:       Submission of Candidates
Respond To:               Sherry Frame: sframe@awwa.org or fax:
303.795.1440
Due Date:                   January 1, 2010

It is time once again to begin identifying qualified candidates to serve on
the Association’s councils, divisions, and committees. Section involvement
in finding qualified candidates is vital, since you know your volunteers
best. Work by all sections to assist in providing the most qualified
candidates to serve will go a long way in broadening participation in
AWWA’s governance and technical activities, so please urge your section
members to get involved! I thank you in advance for all your time and
effort.

2010 Vacancies
You’ll find the comprehensive list of vacancies on the AWWA website:
http://www.awwa.org/Publications/StreamlinesArticle.cfm?ItemNumber=50801,
along with direct links to each staff secretary.

How to Submit a Nomination
A section or an individual may nominate a candidate, or the individual may
nominate themselves. Applications should be completed and submitted
online: http://www.awwa.org/Volunteers/?navItemNumber=1450

Procedure for Selection
January 2010: The staff secretary of each council, division, and committee
will forward applications to the Nominating Committee (NC). The NC will
review the qualifications of the candidates and identify three times the
number of nominees as there are vacancies. The nomination of up to three
candidates may not be required for vacancies were a qualified candidate is
eligible for reappointment.

The chair of the NC will forward the agreed upon list of nominees to the
staff secretary, who will then forward the nominees to the Appointing
Committee (AC). The nominees not selected to move forward will receive a
thank you letter from the staff secretary.

February 2010: The AC will make their selections and the AC chair will
forward to the staff secretary a list of those selected for appointment.
The staff secretary will prepare letters of appointment to each appointee;
and thank you letters to those not appointed.

Member Responsibilities and Procedures
The success of AWWA is dependent upon active participation by volunteers.
In addition to regular attendance and participation in meetings, volunteers
are responsible for participating in conference calls, electronic ballots,
etc., that take place between regularly scheduled meetings. Attached you
will find the Association’s meetings policy which outlines the number of
meetings that each type of volunteer unit is eligible to hold during the
year; and the AWWA Volunteer Travel Policy. (See attached file:
meetings.doc)(See attached file: voltravpol 1-09.doc)

AWWA Meetings Policy/Procedure
____________________

Below please find links two public affairs advisories that went out to utility members this afternoon.

The first advisory pertains to an upcoming report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on its updated "National Tap Water Quality Database." AWWA encourages all utilities to log on to the EWG site and check to make sure their information is accurate.

http://www.highroadsolutions.net/file_uploader/images/10_20_09_ewg_report.pdf

The second advises utilities about a national talk show that is airing a segment today that claims to help consumers protect themselves from toxins in the water supply. Talking points and information are included.

http://www.highroadsolutions.net/file_uploader/images/10_20_09_Dr. Oz.pdf

For more information please contact Public Affairs at 303-734-3410.
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October 12, 2009

AWWA Legislative Alert-Chemical security bill goes to markup on 10/14

Legislative Alert
Form Letter

Please find attached an AWWA public affairs advisory about an Associated Press story on school water contamination that went out on 9/25/2009

September 16, 2009

Attached please find an AWWA public affairs advisory that went to member utilities on Sept. 16 regarding a Public Service Announcement (PSA) we have distributed nationwide in recognition of National Preparedness Month.

Click here for more information
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September 14, 2009

Attached please find an AWWA public affairs advisory that went to utility members this afternoon regarding a new series in the New York Times entitled, “Toxic Waters.” The second article in this series ran on Sunday, Sept. 13^th.

Click here for more information

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September 8, 2009

Attached please find a AWWA security advisory that went to utility members last week, regarding WaterISAC’s plan to launch a second round of sector-specific security metrics later this month. All utilities, regardless of ISAC affiliation, are encouraged to participate in this voluntary effort.

Click here for more information

For more information on the project, please visit http://www.waterisac.org.

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September 1, 2009

AWWA Fall 2009 Operator Series

Please find the link to a AWWA press release that went to trade and local media yesterday morning announcing the kick off of AWWA’s Fall Operator Series.

http://www.drinktap.org/mediadnn/Portals/6/PressReleases/08_31_09_Fall_Operator_Series.pdf

Additional details and registration information are available at www.awwa.org/Education/webcasts.

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August 25, 2009

This AWWA public affairs advisory that went to utility members on 8/25/2009 regarding a recent report from the Natural Resources Defense Council that is critical of the way USEPA regulates the pesticide atrazine in drinking water.

Memo
Talking Points

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August 19, 2009:

NEW!!!
DEP's "PN Handbook for Community Water Systems" (3800-BK-DEP4253) is now available in eLibrary for your use. I have included the link to the PN webpage where this handbook is posted under the "More Information about PN" section.

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/watersupply/cwp/view.asp?a=1251&q=510149#More

This 117 page handbook addresses the public notice requirements including the PN revisions that were published in the PA Bulletin on May 9, 2009. Please share this e-mail with other water industry groups.
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August 17, 2009

Please find a public affairs advisory that went to utility members on 8/17/2009, regarding an upcoming free webinar from USEPA on the WaterSense program on September 1, 2009 at 3pm-4pm (EST).

Click here for more information

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August 11, 2009

AWWA Legislative Alert: Chemical Security Legislation

Memo
Form Letter
AWWA Letter

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August 6, 2009

Upcoming AWWA Webcasts

Please find links to two press releases regarding upcoming AWWA webcasts. The Residuals Management and Disposal release was sent to August 6, 2009, and the Stimulus II release is scheduled to go out August 7, 2009.

http://www.drinktap.org/mediadnn/Portals/6/PressReleases/08_06_09_Residuals_Management.pdf

http://www.drinktap.org/mediadnn/Portals/6/PressReleases/08_08_09_Stimulus_Package_II.pdf

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August 5, 2009

AWWA Washington Report
Click here for more information
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August 5, 2009

AWWA Regulatory Alert

Attached please find a regulatory alert that went to utilities on August 5, 2009 regarding EPA’s announcement that it will open a 30-day comment period requesting “additional approaches to analyzing data related to EPA’s perchlorate regulatory determination.”

Click here for more information
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July 22, 2009: AWWA Legislative Alert

Attached please find an AWWA legislative alert that went to utility members on July 22, 2009 regarding the recently introduced House bill that would create a $10 billion annual federal trust fund to address water and wastewater infrastructure needs.

Click here for more information
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July 21, 2009

Subject: EQB Proposed Regulation #7-433 (IRRC#2774): "Administration of the Water and Wastewater Systems Operators' Certification Program"

The Environmental Quality Board (EQB) published this proposed regulation in the July 11^th, 2009 edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

It is available on the web at the following link:

http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol39/39-28/1272.html

It is also available on our website at the following link:

http://www.irrc.state.pa.us/Regulations/RegInfo.cfm?IRRCNo=2774

The EQB is inviting the public to submit written comments on the proposal. Please reference Regulation ID# 7-433 (IRRC# 2774) on the correspondence. The deadline for submitting comments to the EQB is August 10^th, 2009.

If you have any questions regarding the regulatory review process, our website (www.irrc.state.pa.us) can be helpful in providing you with this information. In addition, please contact myself or Scott Schalles at (717)214-8955 or sschalles@irrc.state.pa.us with questions as well.

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July 1, 2009

The attached AWWA advisory went out to member utilities on July 1, 2009 regarding a series of free cyber security workshops the Water Sector Coordinating Council will be sponsoring this fall.
Click here for More information

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June 11, 2009

Attached please find an AWWA regulatory alert that went out 6/11/2009 regarding free utility member access to Selecting Disinfectants in a Security-Conscious Environment, a guide AWWA has developed to help utilities evaluate disinfection options.

Click here for more information

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May 14, 2009: H1N1 Planning and Response for Water Utilities

AWWA Public Affairs Advisory: May 4, 2009
H1N1: Utility Talking Points
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May 11, 2009

The FINAL PN Revisions have been published in the PA Bulletin on May 9, 2009

The PN Revisions were published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on May 9, 2009. A link to the Pennsylvania Bulletin is found on the PN website under "More Information about PN.

Here's the link to this area:

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/watersupply/cwp/view.asp?a=1251&q=510149#More

This file summarizes the PN revisions and provides some information about cost estimates for automatic telephone dialing systems. Later this year, compliance assistance specialists will be conducting training on the PN Revisions.

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION UPDATE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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"Red Flags" Enforcement Rule
Deadline is May 1, 2009
Click here for more information

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April 29, 2009

Important Information for Water Utilities

Pandemic Influenza Guidebook

Click here for more Information

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April 20, 2009

AWWA public affairs advisory that went to utility members today regarding an investigative article from the Associated Press about pharmaceuticals in US waterways and drinking water. The article first appeared yesterday, April 19^th.

Click here for more information
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April 15, 2009

AWWA advisory regarding an upcoming episode of PBS’s Frontline entitled “Our Poisoned Waters.”

AWWA Public Affairs Advisory

FRONTLINE EXAMINES NEWEST HEALTH HAZARDS IN NATION’S CONTAMINATED WATERWAYS

FRONTLINE Presents
POISONED WATERS
Tuesday, April 21, 2009, from 9 to 11 P.M. ET on PBS

www.pbs.org/frontline/poisonedwaters

More than three decades after the Clean Water Act, iconic American waterways like the Chesapeake Bay and Puget Sound are in perilous condition and facing new sources of contamination.

With polluted runoff still flowing in from industry, agriculture and massive suburban development, scientists note that many new pollutants and toxins from modern everyday life are already being found in the drinking water of millions of people across the country and pose a threat to fish, wildlife and, potentially, human health.

In FRONTLINE’s Poisoned Waters, airing Tuesday, April 21, 2009, from 9 to 11 P.M. ET on PBS (check local listings), Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Hedrick Smith examines the growing hazards to human health and the ecosystem.

“The ’70s were a lot about, ‘We’re the good guys; we’re the environmentalists; we’re going to go after the polluters,’ and it’s not really about that anymore,” Jay Manning, director of ecology for Washington state, tells FRONTLINE. “It’s about the way we all live. And unfortunately, we are all polluters. I am; you are; all of us are.”

Through interviews with scientists, environmental activists, corporate executives and average citizens impacted by the burgeoning pollution problem, Smith reveals startling new evidence that today’s growing environmental threat comes not from the giant industrial polluters of old, but from chemicals in consumers’ face creams, deodorants, prescription medicines and household cleaners that find their way into sewers, storm drains, and eventually into America’s waterways and drinking water.

“The environment has slipped off our radar screen because it’s not a hot crisis like the financial meltdown, war or terrorism,” Smith says. “But pollution is a ticking time bomb. It’s a chronic cancer that is slowly eating away the natural resources that are vital to our very lives.”

In Poisoned Waters, Smith speaks with researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), who report finding genetically mutated marine life in the Potomac River. In addition to finding frogs with six legs and other mutations, the researchers have found male amphibians with ovaries and female frogs with male genitalia. Scientists tell FRONTLINE that the mutations are likely caused by exposure to “endocrine disruptors,” chemical compounds that mimic the body’s natural hormones.

The USGS research on the Potomac River poses some troubling questions for the 2 million people who rely on the Washington Aqueduct for their drinking water.

“The endocrine system of fish is very similar to the endocrine system of humans,” USGS fish pathologist Vicki Blazer says. “They pretty much have all the same hormone systems as humans, which is why we use them as sort of indicator species. ... We can’t help but make that jump to ask the question, ‘How are these things influencing people?’”

“The long-term, slow-motion risk is already being spelled out in epidemiologic data, studies—large population studies,” says Dr. Robert Lawrence of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. “There are 5 million people being exposed to endocrine disruptors just in the Mid-Atlantic region, and yet we don’t know precisely how many of them are going to develop premature breast cancer, going to have problems with reproduction, going to have all kinds of congenital anomalies of the male genitalia, things that are happening at a broad low level so that they don’t raise the alarm in the general public.”

Smith also investigates the state of Puget Sound’s environment, where decades of pollution have endangered such species as orca whales, whose carcasses have shown high levels of cancer-causing PCBs.

“We thought all the way along that [Puget Sound] was like a toilet: What you put in, you flush out,” says Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, who notes that about 150,000 pounds of untreated toxins find their way into Puget Sound each day. “We [now] know that’s not true. It’s like a bathtub: What you put in stays there.”

Smith reveals that some of today’s greatest pollution threats stem from urban sprawl and overdevelopment, as new housing and commercial developments send contaminated stormwater into rivers and bays, polluting local drinking-water supplies.

Smith speaks with scuba diver Mike Racine, who describes runoff into the depths of Seattle’s Elliott Bay as a “brown, noxious soup of nastiness that is unbelievable.”

“The irony is that everybody looks at that [picturesque] scene and thinks that it’s great; everything is right with the world in Elliott Bay,” Racine says. “But in point of fact, not 100 feet away from where they are drinking a nice glass of wine off their white linen, there is this unbelievable gunk coming out of the end of this pipe.”

In addition to assessing the scope of America’s polluted-water problem, Poisoned Waters highlights several cases in which grassroots citizens’ groups succeeded in effecting environmental change: In South Park, Wash., incensed residents pushed for better cleanup of PCB contamination that remained from an old asphalt plant. In Loudon County, Va., residents prevented a large-scale housing development that would have overwhelmed already-strained stormwater systems believed to contribute to the contamination in Chesapeake Bay.

Reversing decades of pollution and preventing the irreversible annihilation of the nation’s waterways, however, will require a seismic shift in the way Americans live their lives and use natural resources, experts say.

“You have to change the way you live in the ecosystem and the place that you share with other living things,” says William Ruckelshaus, founding director of the Environmental Protection Agency. “You’ve got to learn to live in such a way that it doesn’t destroy other living things. It’s got to become part of our culture.”

Poisoned Waters is a FRONTLINE co-production with Hedrick Smith Productions, Inc. Hedrick Smith is correspondent and senior producer. The program is produced by Marc Shaffer and directed by Rick Young. FRONTLINE is produced by WGBH Boston and is broadcast nationwide on PBS. Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers. Major funding for FRONTLINE is provided by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Park Foundation.

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April 10, 2009

The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and PA Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) are sponsoring two additional outreach opportunities on April 14^th and April 20^th. Both meetings will focus on the portion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds that are distributed through the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, with specific attention to the Green Project Reserve (GPR) component.

Meeting Details:

April 14, 2009, 1PM

This meeting will be held in the 2nd Floor Auditorium of the Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg PA 17105. The goal of the meeting is to build upon the general background information provided in the April 1, 2009 meeting by focusing on questions that have been raised and program requirements that are expected to be challenging. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Registration for this meeting is not required.

April 20, 2009, 2PM

This meeting will be held as a webinar. The goal will be to provide participants a walk through of how to complete the computer-based PENNVEST application for funding. Pre-Registration is not necessary, but in order to participate an entity will need to obtain a (free) “Friends of Penn State Account.”

The Friends of Penn State Account can be obtained by at: https://breeze.psu.edu/AgEnvPartnership by following the directions listed under “Enter as a Guest.”

Participants are encouraged to set up the Friends of Penn State Account prior to the webinar session so that you can easily sign on at the meeting time. On the day of the webinar, go to https://breeze.psu.edu/AgEnvPartnership and sign on using your Penn State user ID and password.

The application and other details for GPR can be found on the PENNVEST website under "What's Hot". http://www.pennvest.state.pa.us/pennvest/cwp/view.asp?Q=220524&A=95

Please consider passing this information along to others that would benefit from either of these meetings. And for additional information on either meeting please contact either Mr. Lee Murphy at 717-772-4055, c-lemurphy@state.pa.us or Ms. Ann Smith at 717-787-4726, annsmith@state.pa.us.

For more information on all of the Commonwealth’s efforts related to ARRA please visit: http://www.recovery.pa.gov/portal/server.pt.

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March 26, 2009

New Plan Outlines Statewide, Regional Priorities to Balance Competing Demands for Water
PA DEP Update

HARRISBURG (March 26) -- As demand grows for Pennsylvania’s water resources, the commonwealth is offering comprehensive recommendations to help policymakers balance the demands of competing interests while protecting the quality and supply of water for residents and businesses, Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger said today as he signed the new state water plan.

The plan was approved and adopted by Hanger at the recommendation of the Statewide Water Resources Committee at a ceremony in Harrisburg. Hanger was joined by representatives of the regional and statewide committees that created the plan following five years of public meetings throughout the state.

“The state water plan represents years of exhaustive and difficult work, and provides Pennsylvanians with a vision, goals and recommendations for meeting the challenges of sustainable water use over the next 15 years,” Hanger said. “Each region came to the table with its own priorities–protecting drinking water supplies, creating jobs, avoiding devastating floods, reducing mine drainage, and ensuring well thought out plans for how to use the land—but the statewide committee was able to craft a document that takes into account these many conflicting priorities and demands.”

The updated state water plan – the first since 1983 – was required under Act 220 of 2002 that created a Statewide Water Resource Committee and six regional water resource committees tasked with compiling and reviewing water-use data, taking public comment, identifying where existing and potential water-use conflicts and water quality issues may occur, and creating recommendations for the state water plan.

The plan consists of inventories of water availability, an assessment of current and future water demands and trends, assessments of resource management alternatives, and proposed methods of implementing recommended actions. It also analyzes problems and needs associated with specific water resource usage such as navigation, stormwater management and flood control.

Key components of the state water plan include:

An innovative Water Use Analysis Tool to determine where water demands may exceed available water supply. The tool now is being emulated in other states and being considered for use in other countries;

A Statewide and Regional Atlas to illustrate regional trends using maps, charts, pictures and text descriptions;

Water Plan Principles Document that includes policies, priorities and legislative recommendations and other suggestions to protect and enhance Pennsylvania’s water resources;

Registration and reporting regulations for large water users; and

Guidelines for identification of critical water planning areas.

The regional committees, representing each major river basin, included nearly 140 representatives from a wide variety of organizations representing business and industry, agriculture, local government, water and wastewater authorities, and environmental interests.

Committees conducted public hearings statewide beginning in October 2003 and presented final regional reports to the statewide committee.

The Statewide Water Resources Committee consisted of representatives of the General Assembly, heads of state agencies and state river basin commissions, and one member from each regional committee. The statewide committee combined and compiled input from the regional committees to create the new state water plan that focuses on broad issues common to all areas of the state.

“The state water plan is the culmination of time, energy and resources from countless individuals who, for the past five years, have been collecting and reviewing complex data, setting water management goals and priorities, and recommending specific actions for the future of water resources,” Hanger said. “We have set a baseline of sound science, but this is only the beginning of the process. We are now entering the next phase of the plan, which will involve action on the part of state agencies and the General Assembly to implement the plan’s recommendations.”

To view the state water plan, the Pennsylvania Water Atlas and other related documents, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, then select “State Water Plan” under the Hot Topics heading.

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March 25, 2009

AWWA Fly-In: Critical Issues Discussed with Congress in Washington, D.C.
Click here for more information

Special thanks to: Kathy Pape, Pennsylvania American Water, Aurel Arndt, Lehigh Co. Authority, Steve Tagert Aqua PA, and Bob Manbeck, United Water PA for representing PA-AWWA.
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March 24, 2009

Attention: Young Professionals...Join AWWA for the Special Rate of $99!!!

Click here for the application
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March 20, 2009

AWWA Public Affairs Advisory:

ASCE's Release of Full 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure

Click here for more information
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March 18, 2009

Personnel Announcement by John Hanger, DEP
Cathy Myers Named Special Assistant for Pennsylvania's Recovery, Dana Aunkst Acting Deputy

I am pleased to announce that Cathy Myers has been named Special Assistant to the Secretary for Pennsylvania's Recovery. The recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help Pennsylvania families pull through from these tough economic times. DEP will play an instrumental role in the coordination and distribution of more than $350 million of the funding that will be coming to the commonwealth from the federal government.

We must manage the people's money with accountability, transparency and expediency and to use this money as it was intended -- to put Pennsylvanian's back to work and jump-start our struggling economy. In these times, we cannot do business as usual. Implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is vital and requires real teamwork at the Department. It is also a major challenge. Working with Kelly Heffner, Dan Griffiths, Dave Althoff, Pat McDonnell and others, Cathy greatly increases our ability to meet this challenge.

Cathy will work directly with me to achieve the department's recovery efforts and ensure we are working in coordination with other state agencies, our stakeholder groups and the public.

Please join me in welcoming Cathy into her important new role here at DEP.

John Hanger | Acting Secretary
Department of Environmental Protection
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March 16, 2009

EPA Launches “Fix a Leak Week” To Encourage Water Efficiency

Because minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes, EPA is launching its first “Fix a Leak Week” to remind Americans of the environmental and economic benefits to fixing leaks from household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems.

To kick off Fix a Leak Week, WaterSense partners in Arizona are demonstrating, through a visual display at a Phoenix home, the amount of water wasted by leaks in just one week. Through the display, WaterSense partners will demonstrate leaky toilets, faucets, and showerheads to show how household leaks can waste more than 200 gallons in seven days, identify leak sources inside the home and demonstrate how to fix them.

In most cases, fixture replacement parts can be installed by do-it-yourselfers and pay for themselves in a short amount of time. Remember to look for the WaterSense label if you have to replace a bathroom fixture.

Here are a few water-saving tips:

Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model.
Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a home up to 200 gallons of water per day.
For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.
Landscape irrigation systems should be checked each spring before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.

More information about WaterSense: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak/

EPA’s Video on “Fix a Leak Week:”

(English): http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/MMwebcon.nsf/HTML/KCHK-7PYQJH?OpenDocument

(Spanish): http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/MMwebcon.nsf/HTML/KCHK-7PZHZG?OpenDocument

Source: EPA Press Release, 3/16/09

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March 13, 2009

AWWA Washington Report

Click here for more information
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Pennsylvania State Water Plan (Act 220)

Website info
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March 4, 2009: Economic Stimulus Information

Compliments of Congressman Paul Kanjorski: Potential Funding Opportunities from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Click here for more information

Compliments of U.S. Senator Bob Casey: Guide to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in PA
Click here for more information

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March 2, 2009

Please find a AWWA public affairs advisory that went out to member utilities this afternoon regarding opportunities to help promote EPA WaterSense “Fix a Leak Week”.

Click here for more information

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February 27, 2009

AWWA Washington Report

Click here for more information
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February 23, 2009

PN Revisions Rulemaking Package:

Draft PN Technical Guidance(s) Published in PA Bulletin

The Department of Environmental Protection has published the long awaited technical guidance documents to implement the new Public Notification Rule. The following is a short summary:

DEP ID: 383-2129-004. Title: Policy for Responding to Loss of Positive Pressure Situations in the Distribution System.

http://164.156.71.80/VWRQ.asp?docid=9586d8407c0e00000000012200000122&context=2&backlink=WXOD.aspx%3ffs%3d9586d8407c0e00008000000000000000%26ft%3d7

Description: 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109 Safe Drinking Water Regulations require all public water systems to ensure safe and potable water is continuously supplied to all users. Any disruption (line breaks, valve repairs, new construction, etc.) of a water distribution system can result in a loss of positive pressure, which may allow contaminants to enter that distribution system. This guidance provides a policy to public water suppliers and Department staff for the evaluation and response to possible contamination of water distribution systems. This guidance provides general policy regarding physical or operational disruptions in the distribution system and the determination of Acute Tier 1 loss of positive pressure situations requiring public notification in the form of a Boil Water Advisory or other water supply warning. This guidance also contains Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water main breaks which result in a loss of positive pressure. These BMPs summarize the water industry standard, found in the American Water Works Association Standard C-651-05, for adequate flushing, disinfection, and microbiological testing in the distribution system following repair activities.

Written Comments: Interested persons may submit written comments on this draft technical guidance document by March 23, 2009. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted. The Department will accept comments submitted by e-mail. A return name and address must be included in each e-mail transmission. Written comments should be submitted to William Beck, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Standards and Facility Regulation, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 11th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8774, (717) 783-6865, wibeck@state.pa.us .

Contact: Questions regarding the draft technical guidance should be directed to William Beck at (717) 783-6865, wibeck@state.pa.us .

Effective Date: Upon publication of notice as final in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

DEP ID: 383-2129-005. Title: Policy for Issuing and Removing Water Supply Warnings.

http://164.156.71.80/VWRQ.asp?docid=9586d8407c0e00000000012300000123&context=2&backlink=WXOD.aspx%3ffs%3d9586d8407c0e00008000000000000000%26ft%3d7

Description: 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109 Safe Drinking Water Regulations require public water suppliers to issue public notifications that include water supply warning during imminent threat situations (also known as Tier 1 situations). This guidance document provides instructions for issuing and removing water supply warnings. This document provides guidance on the following topics: Tier 1 situations, a drinking water standards and health advisory table, drinking water treatment chemicals and associated health effects, and types of water supply warnings.

Written Comments: Interested persons may submit written comments on this draft technical guidance document by March 23, 2009. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted. The Department will accept comments submitted by e-mail. A return name and address must be included in each e-mail transmission. Written comments should be submitted to Deborah Rotz, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Standards and Facility Regulation, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 11th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8774, (717) 772-2190, drotz@state.pa.us .

Contact: Questions regarding the draft technical guidance should be directed to Deborah Rotz at (717) 772-2190, drotz@state.pa.us .

Effective Date: Upon publication of notice as final in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

A copy of the guidance documents can be found at the links above or http://www.dep.state.pa.us/TechnicalGuidance/Draft_technical_guidance.asp .

Source: PA Bulletin, 2/21/09 & DEP Website
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Dear Water Industry Folks:

We published the availability of two of our draft technical guidance documents in the February 21, 2009 issue of the Pa Bulletin. These draft technical guidance documents relate to the PN Revisions rulemaking package. To view these documents, click on the following link and select the document:

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/TechnicalGuidance/Draft_technical_guidance.asp

Here's the protocol to submit written comments about these draft technical guidance documents:

For Policy for Responding to Loss of Positive Pressure Situations in the Distribution System (383-2129-004)

Written Comments: Interested persons may submit written comments on this draft technical guidance document by March 23, 2009. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted. The Department will accept comments submitted by e-mail. A return name and address must be included in each e-mail transmission. Written comments should be submitted to William Beck, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Standards and Facility Regulation, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 11th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8774, (717) 783-6865, wibeck@state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Questions regarding the draft technical guidance should be directed to William Beck at (717) 783-6865 or by e-mail to wibeck@state.pa.us.

For Policy for Issuing and Removing Water Supply Warnings (383-2129-005)

e-mail transmission. Written comments should be submitted to Deborah Rotz, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Standards and Facility Regulation, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 11th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8774, (717) 772-2190, drotz@state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Questions regarding the draft technical guidance should be directed to Deborah Rotz at (717) 772-2190 or by e-mail to drotz@state.pa.us.

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February 20, 2009

This AWWA public affairs advisory that went out to utility members Friday afternoon regarding citizen’s groups who are protesting the use of monochloramines, and various messaging materials that are available for utilities who may encounter this issue.

Click here for the advisory

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Februay 19, 2009

Source: EPA Press Release, 2/19/09

Stimulus Plan Will Create Sustainable Jobs That Will Protect Public Health

The economic recovery plan signed by President Obama will create 3 to 4 million quality, sustainable jobs with many protecting our country’s public health and our environment.

“Through the President’s stimulus package, green initiatives will play a significant role in powering economic recovery,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “EPA’s portion of the plan will create good, sustainable jobs that help produce cleaner drinking water, purer air, environmentally friendly urban and rural re-development, and reduced greenhouse gases. This is a perfect example of economic growth and environmental protection working hand in hand to the benefit of all Americans.”

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 specifically includes $7.22 billion for projects and programs administered by EPA. These programs will protect and promote both green jobs and a healthier environment. These environmental areas include:

· Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $4 billion for assistance to help communities with water quality and wastewater infrastructure needs and $2 billion for drinking water infrastructure needs. A portion of the funding will be targeted toward green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency, and environmentally innovative projects.

· Brownfields: $100 million for competitive grants to evaluate and clean up former industrial and commercial sites.

· Diesel Emissions Reduction: $300 million for grants and loans to help regional, state and local governments, tribal agencies, and non-profit organizations with projects that reduce diesel emissions.

· Superfund Hazardous Waste Cleanup: $600 million for the cleanup of hazardous sites.

· Leaking Underground Storage Tanks: $200 million for cleanup of petroleum leaks from underground storage tanks.

The new law is geared for performance and unprecedented transparency: preference will be given to projects that can be started and completed expeditiously, and EPA intends to move designated funds to states as quickly as possible. All funding will be monitored by EPA’s Inspector General, which will receive $20 million for oversight and review. Announcements of grants will be posted on the Web to ensure transparency. The state-by-state distributions for clean water and drinking water state revolving funds are also available on the Web.

For new information on the state-by-state distributions for clean water and drinking water state revolving funds: http://www.epa.gov/recovery

Pennsylvania: CW-SRF $156.8 million; DW-SRF $65.7 million

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February 17, 2009

From: AWWA Streamlines

Obama signs stimulus bill with $2B for drinking water

Editor's Note: See link below to comment on this article.

President Obama signed the economic stimulus bill today during a stop in Denver.

"We have begun the essential work of keeping [the American] dream alive," he told an audience of about 250 at the Denver Museum of Science and Nature.

The bill (HR1) contains $2 billion in funding for drinking water infrastructure. A few hours after the House approved the measure (246–183) Feb. 13, the Senate voted its approval (60–38). Congressional leaders had a goal of getting the final bill to him by Presidents’ Day, Feb. 16.

Because legislators were determined not to create new federal bureaucracies with the bill, the $2 billion will be distributed via the state revolving loan fund (SRF) program. The money will be divided among the 50 states according to the existing SRF allocation formula. While details of how to apply for funding have yet to be announced, officials at the US Environmental Protection Agency urge interested utilities to immediately contact their own state SRF officials for information about applying for funds. A roster (PDF) of those officials is available on the Government Affairs Web page.

The total cost of the stimulus bill, also known as the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is about $787 billion. Congress also provided $4 billion for wastewater utilities and $1.4 billion for rural drinking water, wastewater and waste disposal projects. Following are highlights with regard to drinking water funding:

$2 billion was authorized for drinking water infrastructure.
States will not be required to provide matching funds.
Priority for project funding will be given to projects on a state priority list that are ready to proceed to construction within 12 months of enactment of HR1 (Feb. 17, 2010).
Each state shall use no less than 50 percent of its capitalization funds to provide “additional subsidization…in the form of forgiveness of principal, negative interest loans or grants or any combination of these…”
At least 20 percent of the funds shall be used for “projects that address green infrastructure, water or energy efficiency improvements, or other environmentally innovative activities…” to the extent that there are sufficient eligible project applications.
Funds may be used to buy, refinance or restructure debt obligations of eligible recipients only when that debt was incurred on or after Oct. 1, 2008.
USEPA shall reallocate funds where projects are not under contract or construction within 12 months of enactment.
No funds may be used to acquire land or a conservation easement for source water protection, to implement source water protection measures, or to establish or implement wellhead protection programs.
USEPA (and all other federal agencies receiving stimulus funds) must post its plans for using those funds on the Recovery.gov Web site, which will be publicly accessible.

"We applaud Congress's decision to waive requirements that states provide matching funds, which would be difficult in today's economic climate and will speed distribution of funds," said AWWA Executive Director Gary Zimmerman in a statement released today. "The renewed focus on water infrastructure has helped bring the conversation about our buried water pipes above ground."

Another $1 billion was designated for water and related resources under the US Bureau of Reclamation. Several allocations were specified: at least $126 million for water reclamation and reuse projects, $50 million for the Central Utah Project, $50 million for projects under the California Bay – Delta Restoration Act, and $60 million for rural water projects, primarily for intake and treatment facilities.

The act also provides $4.6 billion for the US Army Corps of Engineers for completion of current water projects and new projects to improve flood protection, navigation, hydropower, and the existing water resource infrastructure. The priority is for projects that could be completed in one year.

Additional AWWA Resources:

Summary of allocations (PDF) in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
AWWA webcast, USA’s Economic Stimulus Plan, Feb. 26, 1 p.m. EDT
AWWA Government Affairs commentaryPrevious AWWA Streamlines stories, Jan. 6, 2009; Jan. 20, 2009; Feb. 3, 2009.

Compliments of Erik Ross, Delta Development:

Some of the highlights include:

Drinking Water and Wastewater infrastructure assistance is funneled through the established SRFs.
The funding is $2 billion for the DW-SRF and $4 billion for CW-SRF.
The bill does set aside 50% of the new money for “forgiveness of principal, negative interest loans, and grants.”
On the tax front there is the $15 billion for the “Recovery Zone Bonds” (this is the private activity bonds (PABs) for ‘exempt facilities’), the exemption from the alternative minimum tax for PABs, and the extension of the bonus depreciation.

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February 13, 2009

Washington Report:

Please see the attached copy of an AWWA Washington Report describing tonight's passage of H.R. 1, the economic stimulus bill with $2 billion in funding for drinking water infrastructure.

Click here for report

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February 5, 2009

AWWA Affinity Program

AWWA, in association with Liberty Mutual and Forrest T. Jones and Co., offers valuable discounts on homeowner’s and auto insurance to AWWA members. Liberty Mutual will be contacting sections in the near future to share information about these product offerings. Additional information can be accessed at the following web link: www.libertymutual.com/lm/awwa.

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January 29, 2009

Washington Report

Click here for more info

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January 26, 2009

ASCE:2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure

Click here for more info

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January 22, 2009

Important AWWA Legislative Alert...Economic Stimulus Program

Contact member(s) of the House Committee on Appropriations and ask for parity with wastewater in economic recovery legislation

Click here for Legislative Alert
Stimulus Summary

Most Recent...
January 22, 2009 alert
Cardin Letter
Document to make the case for the Drinking Water Sector in Stimulus bill

Here is a better link to all of the members of the House Committee on Appropriations:http://appropriations.house.gov/members110th.shtml
It has links to the individual member home pages.

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January 20, 2009

TO: Section Chairs, Section Public Affairs Chairs, and Section Staff

Please click on the link below to read the press release AWWA issued this morning announcing our partnership with WaterISAC to provide U.S. member utilities serving fewer than 50,000 people with an opportunity to test drive the WaterISAC Pro Internet-based security information system.

http://www.drinktap.org/mediadnn/Portals/6/PressReleases/01_20_09_water_isac.pdf

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January 19, 2009

AWWA Washington Report

Click here
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January 6, 2009

AWWA Legislative Alert...Economic Stimulus Program

The attached documents concerning an AWWA Washington D.C. report describing the coming economic stimulus program and our recommendations for members was sent today.

Legislative Alert
Washington, D.C. Report
Grass Roots Economic Stimulus Letter
AWWA Infrastructure Ad
January 6: Press Release
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December 18, 2008

Important Public Notification Information:

The Environmental Quality Board approved the PN Revisions DRAFT final rulemaking package during its 12/16/08 meeting. The rule becomes effective when it is published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin within the next few months.

DEP has updated the PN website to include the various documents within the rulemaking package that were presented to the EQB. There is also a 12 slide PowerPoint presentation that summarizes the changes between the proposed and final rulemaking package. This updated information is found at the bottom of the PN website under "More Information about PN."

Here's the link to this area:

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/watersupply/cwp/view.asp?a=1251&q=510149#PNReg

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December 11, 2008

Commonwealth Court Upholds Environmental Hearing Board Decision, DEP Notice Procedures on Chloramine Use

HARRISBURG (Dec. 11) -- Commonwealth Court this week upheld an Environmental Hearing Board decision on an appeal that paves the way for Pennsylvania American Water Co. to use chloramines as a drinking water disinfectant and affirms that the Department of Environmental Protection provided sufficient notice to the public on the matter.

“DEP provided six different public notices within about two years regarding Pennsylvania American Water’s plans to use chloramines as a disinfectant,” said Rachel Diamond, DEP southcentral regional director. “The court found that DEP's process for notifying the public was sufficient and abided by all legal requirements.”

DEP issued four permits to Pennsylvania American Water to build and operate new and modified water treatment facilities in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, and Fairview Township, York County, between March 2004 and March 2006 that would use chloramines as a disinfectant within the distribution system. Chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia.

The department published two permit application notices and four permit issuance notices in the Pennsylvania Bulletin between July 2003 and April 2006. According to Chapter 25 of the Pennsylvania Code, third party appeals must be filed within 30 days of publication of the action in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

The appellant in the case, Susan Pickford, claimed she did not become personally aware of the permits until late July 2007. She filed an appeal with the Environmental Hearing Board in November 2007 on the grounds that the notices did not inform the public of the pending changes in disinfection chemicals.

In May 2008, the hearing board dismissed Pickford’s appeal as untimely and stated it did not find anything inaccurate, incomplete or misleading in the published notices. Pickford subsequently appealed the decision in Commonwealth Court, which today upheld the board’s decision.

For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Drinking Water

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December 10, 2008
DEP Daily UPDATE

Door Open for Communities to Improve Water Infrastructure, Governor Rendell Says

HARRISBURG (Dec. 10) – Pennsylvania residents will benefit now that guidelines have been approved for local governments wanting to apply for state funding to improve critical water infrastructure systems, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today.

The Governor signed legislation in July creating H2O PA, an $800 million fund to protect Pennsylvania’s flood-prone communities; ensure safe, clean drinking water; and improve critical wastewater systems.

Guidelines for the fund were approved yesterday by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

“The need for funding to repair and upgrade the state’s water infrastructure can be seen in communities from Erie to Allentown and all points in-between,” said Governor Rendell. “The systems that deliver water to our homes, schools and businesses are deteriorating; our dams and stream banks that prevent flooding are in need of repair; and we must provide the resources that will protect our citizens, communities, businesses, and economy.

“The funding available through H2O PA -- combined with the $400 million clean water referendum that was approved by voters in November -- will provide more Pennsylvanians with dependable, quality water,” the Governor said. “These investments are expected to put approximately 12,000 people to work.”

The Commonwealth Financing Authority will evaluate applications with technical review and assistance from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, Governor Rendell said. Debt service for the funds will be generated from the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund.

Throughout Pennsylvania, there are 900 community drinking water facilities and 1,100 community wastewater operations that are owned by a municipality or municipal authority that could qualify for this funding. More than 10 million Pennsylvanians depend on the promise of clean and safe drinking water every day.

Earlier this year, Governor Rendell convened the Sustainable Infrastructure Task Force to review the state’s water infrastructure needs. The panel recently released a report citing at least $36 billion in capital repairs and upgrades that are needed statewide over the next 20 years for local governments and authorities to maintain service.

The CFA approved H2O PA guidelines in three areas:

High Hazard Dams/Unsafe Dam projects include those involving repair, rehabilitation or removal, security measures, engineering or other costs. Municipalities must provide at least 25 percent matching funds.

Flood Control projects include construction, improvement, repair or rehabilitation. Applicants must provide easements and rights of way, relocation of buildings and utilities, alterations or rebuilding of inadequate bridges and operation and maintenance of the completed project.

Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water projects are open to municipalities or municipal authorities for acquisition, construction, improvement, expansion or rehabilitation of all or part of a water supply, sewage disposal, or storm water systems they own and maintain. Eligible projects also include consolidation or regionalization of systems managed or operated as an integrated system. Applicants must provide matching funds of at least 50 percent of the amount awarded under the program.

The new guidelines and applications are available at www.newpa.com, keyword: H20.

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December 3, 2008

The Latest on PN Revisions:
Annex A for PN Revisions

The PN Revisions regulation package will be presented to the Environmental Quality Board on Tuesday, December 16, 2008. Here's a link to the current version of Annex A.

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/pubpartcenter/lib/pubpartcenter/eqb/2008/12162008/2008pn_annexa_11_05_081.pdf

If you want to view all the PN handouts (Executive Summary, Order, Comment/Response document, TAC Board letters), they are listed under the December 16th meeting at this public participation link:

(http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/pubpartcenter/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=533109)

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November 17, 2008

AWWA 2008 State of Industry Report
Click here
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November 5, 2008

Pennsylvania voters approve funds for water, sewer projects

By KEITH PARADISE Staff writer
Source: Public Opinion News

A referendum that determined whether the state would borrow $400 million to be used for sewer and water grants to municipalities appeared on its way to passing Tuesday night.

With 94.5 percent of the state's precincts reporting, 2,494,195 voters, or 62 percent, voted in favor of borrowing the money compared to 1,523,563, or 38 percent, according to election results on the state's Web site.

Results were a bit closer in Franklin County, where 29,305 people voted for the referendum as opposed to 22,988 voting against it, with all 75 precincts reporting. In Fulton County, 2,637 registered voters voted in favor of the referendum, compared to 2,233 who voted against it with all 13 precincts reporting.

The grants and loans would help sewage plants along the Susquehanna River meet federal standards for discharge into the Chesapeake Bay. The money would also be used to curb storm water runoff, reduce pollution and address the environmental effects of farm chemicals.

The referendum was supported by groups representing builders, farmers, conservationists, municipalities and environmentalists, who claimed the money will bring jobs and cleaner water. An estimated 2,200 drinking water systems and 1,060 wastewater systems in the state must spend an estimated $20 billion to meet federal and state clean water standards. A task force put together by Gov. Ed Rendell estimated that water and sewer systems statewide need at least $36.5 billion over the next 20 years to maintain services.

Companion legislation that passed the General Assembly earlier this year diverted slot-machine gambling proceeds to repay $800 million in borrowing that will fund work on water and sewer systems, improve flood control and increase safety at high-hazard dams.
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October 31, 2008

Governor’s Task Force Cites PA’s $36.5 Billion Water Infrastructure Need; Report Underscores Call For Additional Investments

Governor Edward G. Rendell pointed to a report issued October 31, 2008 that measures the unmet financial needs of Pennsylvania’s deteriorating water and sewer infrastructure and warns of an impending crisis unless the state significantly changes the way it funds these systems.

The report, compiled by the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force that Governor Rendell convened earlier this year, found the commonwealth’s drinking water and wastewater systems face $36.5 billion in capital repairs and upgrades over the next 20 years.

With a few days before Pennsylvanians are set to vote on a bond referendum that would make $400 million available for water and sewer system repairs, the Governor said the findings further validate the need to make this investment now in order to protect public health and respond to population and job growth.

“More than 10 million Pennsylvanians depend on the promise of clean and safe drinking water every day, but many of our water systems and miles of water and sewer pipes are nearing the end of their useful lives,” said Governor Rendell. “The challenge confronting us is not just a matter of finding the dollars to rehabilitate our aging infrastructure. We need to break the historic pattern of investing sporadically in these systems with no long-term funding solutions. This approach leads us into a situation like the one we find ourselves in now—where much-needed system maintenance and repairs are put off until a later time and creates additional expenses and a backlog of unmet needs.”

The 30-member task force of business leaders, legislators, government officials and industry experts created work groups to gather and analyze information on existing water infrastructure and examine possible solutions to funding capital repairs and upgrades to drinking water and wastewater systems. In addition, the task force met around the state this spring to gather recommendations about ways to promote the long-term sustainability of our water infrastructure.

In addition to the $36.5 billion for capital repairs and upgrades, the task force estimates the commonwealth will need to spend another $77.1 billion for operation, maintenance and debt service, for a total of $113.6 billion over the next 20 years. The report outlines options to increase funding and reduce operating costs through more effective management of facilities, regionalization of systems, and maximizing nonstructural solutions and conservation measures.

The task force also stressed the need to educate the public on the true value and cost of drinking water and wastewater service.

“Continued federal budget cuts and historic problems like combined sewer and stormwater systems present a daunting challenge to Pennsylvania’s public drinking water and wastewater systems that are increasingly unable to sustain community growth and meet new demands from residents and industry,” said the Governor. “Our future depends on a safe and reliable supply of water. If our infrastructure is allowed to deteriorate, so, too, will Pennsylvania’s business climate and property values.

“The task force report clearly describes the extent of the problem for the first time, and it also provides us with concrete recommendations for long-term solutions to better manage and fund our water infrastructure to meet the challenges of the future.”

The report is available at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Water Quality; click on the “Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force” link.

On Election Day, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether to borrow an additional $400 million for public drinking water and wastewater system repairs, stormwater improvements and practices to manage non-point source pollution. This money will be available for municipally-owned drinking water and wastewater systems statewide, large or small, urban or rural.

Governor Rendell and the legislature have laid the groundwork for an historic effort to rebuild Pennsylvania’s vital infrastructure by approving two measures that will direct up to $1.2 billion to repair and upgrade our drinking water and wastewater systems.

In July, the Governor signed a bill to provide $800 million in grants over the next 10 years for critical water, sewer, flood control projects and repairs to unsafe, high hazard dams. This grant program will be funded using gaming revenues.

The Department of Environmental Protection regulates 9,359 public drinking water systems and 4,224 wastewater treatment plants. Approximately 86 percent of Pennsylvania’s population (10.7 million people) is served by public water systems.

Source: DEP Daily Update, 10/31/08

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October 30, 2008:

Water additive pact requires customer alert

Article BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

Pennsylvania American Water Company customers on the West Shore would get "clear and conspicuous notice" three months before a controversial disinfectant is added to their water.

That's one part of a proposed settlement announced Wednesday between the Office of Consumer Advocate and the company that wants to use chloramine, a chemical that opponents say might sicken people and damage plumbing.

Notification would include automated phone calls, a mailing and newspaper ads, company spokesman Terry Maenza testified at a Public Utility Commission hearing on a customer group's complaints.

The group of 25 customers alleges chloramine has negative effects on water quality and plumbing and the company provided inadequate notice of the change.

Pennsylvania American has said the switch in disinfectants from chlorine to chloramine, a blend of chlorine and ammonia, is necessary to meet future federal drinking water standards.

The Office of Consumer Advocate intervened in the case on behalf of Pennsylvania American Water customers.

The settlement, which must be approved by the judge and the PUC, also calls for the company to:

· Monitor the impact of chloramination on lead levels in the water.

· Provide "additional and more well-balanced information" on chloramine, including how to remove it from household water should customers want to.

· Monitor and make public developments related to the health effects and regulation of chloramine byproducts and make necessary changes to treatment facilities to conform to new regulations.

"It seems like an excellent resolution of the issues. I'm sorry it wasn't earlier," PUC Administrative Law Judge Marlane Chestnut.

She asked Camp Hill attorney Susan Pickford, who represents the customer group, to consider joining the settlement. Pickford said the agreement might be "workable" but she needed to consult with her clients. She is to report back by Tuesday.

The settlement can go forward without the agreement of the group of residents.

Chestnut dismissed two legs of the customers' case.

The judge agreed with attorney Michael Klein, who represented the water company, that Pickford failed to prove that chloramine will cause problems such as staining and unpleasant water odor and taste.

And she ruled that the company didn't abuse its discretion by choosing chloramine, which is used in nearly one-third of water systems in the United States but has been the subject of complaints by resident groups in Vermont, California and some other states.

Chestnut left standing the third leg of the customers' case -- that they weren't adequately notified. The company sent notices in bills on July 12, 2007, that it intended to switch to chloramine a month later. After customers complained, the company delayed the switch. Maenza said Wednesday that Pennsylvania American intends to move ahead with chloramination early next year.

Pickford also has appealed to Commonwealth Court the state Department of Environmental Protection's permit for Pennsylvania American to add chloramine. That case is pending.

ELLEN LYON: 255-8167 or elyon@patriot-news.com

ON TAP

Chloramine would be in the water in West Shore communities: Camp Hill, Lemoyne, New Cumberland, New Kingstown, Shiremanstown and Wormleysburg; and East Pennsboro, Fairview, Hampden, Lower Allen, Newberry, Silver Spring and Upper Allen townships.

The attached AWWA releases regarding the (1) 2008 State of the Industry Report and (2) the upcoming New Administration Forecast webcast were sent out this afternoon.

The attached AWWA alert went out this morning to all member utilities, advising them of Friday’s decision by the EPA not to regulate perchlorate.

The attached AWWA release regarding this week’s signing of the Total Coliform Agreement in Principle was sent this afternoon.

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September 15, 2008

The attached AWWA advisory regarding an imminent story from the Associated Press regarding hospital disposal of pharmaceuticals and its impact on the water supply was sent to utility members last Monday, September 15th.

AWWA Advisory
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September 16, 2008

September 3, 2008
EQB Final-Form Regulation#7-403 (#2585), Water Resource Planning

The PA DEP Bureau of Water Standards and Facility Regulation is pleased to announce the first edition of the new "Drinking Water News" newsletter is available on PA DEP's website. The newsletter will be published biannually and will be posted on DEP's drinking water Web site at www.depweb.state.pa.us Keyword: Drinking Water.

July 21, 2008
AWWA's Presidential Challenge...Membership growth!
Click here for more information

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April 15, 2008
Latest AWWA Memo on Pharmaceuticals
Click here for more information
_____________________

March 26, 2008

February 6, 2008
AWWA Press Release regarding new "Security Funding Opportunities"
Click here for more information

_________________

February 4, 2008
AWWA Alert: Newly revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requiring community water systems to include an informational statement about lead in drinking water in their Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR)
Click here for more information

December 21, 2007
Comments - Safe Drinking Water; Public Notification Revisions, EQB Proposed Regulation #7-407 (#2637)

December 20, 2007
The AWWA attached advisory and appendices were sent out to utilities on
December 20th in anticipation of an AP story about
pharmaceuticals/personal care products in drinking water.
Memo
What You Need to Know
Talking Points
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Public Notification Rulemaking

Very important information for water utilities!!!

The Public Notice Revision package is in the PA Bulletin as of 9/22/2007

Comment period ended 11/21/2007

Here's a link to the proposed PN Revisions that were published in the Pa Bulletin on 9/22/07. Please advise any interested parties that the comment period ends 11/21/07.
http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol37/37-38/37_38_prm.pdf

In addition, templates for most Tier 1 and 2 public notification situations are on the department's website at

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October 10, 2007
Revisions and Clarification to the Lead and Copper Rule
AWWA memo
Statement
Talking Points

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DEP Answers Questions About Chloramines and Drinking Water in Pennsylvania

The Department of Environmental Protection understands that having access to clean and safe drinking water is an important component to preserving the quality of life for Pennsylvania’s citizens. DEP employs a number of different approaches and technologies to ensure that residents who depend on public drinking water supplies have such access.

In an effort to help people understand more about the use of chloramines in public drinking water systems, the following list of questions and answers provide more information about this common disinfectant.

Why do public water suppliers add disinfectants to my drinking water supply?

Disinfecting tap water is critical to protect the public from disease-causing microorganisms. Drinking water is disinfected to kill bacteria, viruses and other organisms that can cause serious illnesses and death. Disinfection of drinking water has improved public health by lowering the rates of infectious diseases (for example, typhoid, hepatitis and cholera) spread through untreated water. Common disinfectants include chlorine and chloramines.

What is chloramine?

Chloramine is a disinfectant used to treat drinking water. It is formed by mixing chlorine with ammonia. Although it is a weaker disinfectant than chlorine, it is more stable which extends its disinfectant benefits throughout a water utility's distribution system (a system of pipes water is delivered to homes through). Some water systems use chloramine as a secondary disinfectant to maintain a disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system so that drinking water remains safe as it travels from the treatment facility to the customer. Chloramine has been used by water systems for almost 90 years, and its use is closely regulated.

What are the advantages of using chloramine?

Since chloramine is not as reactive as chlorine, its use can reduce the formation of cancer-causing disinfection byproducts, such as the trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. Because a chloramine residual is more stable and longer lasting than free chlorine, it provides better protection against bacterial regrowth in distribution systems. Chloramine, like chlorine, is effective in controlling biofilm, a coating in the pipe caused by bacteria. Controlling biofilm also tends to reduce coliform bacteria concentrations and biofilm-induced corrosion of pipes. Because chloramine does not tend to react with organic compounds, many systems will experience fewer taste and odor complaints when using chloramine. Chloramine technology is relatively easy to install and operate. It also is among the less expensive disinfectant alternatives to chlorine.

What are the disadvantages of using chloramine?

Chloramine levels are more complicated to regulate than chlorine levels. Failure to properly control and monitor the treatment process can cause undesirable chemical reactions such as increased corrosion of pipes or nitrification in the distribution system. Corrosion can cause leaching of lead and copper from pipes and solder. Nitrification can cause a loss of disinfectant residual. Proper operation and management of the treatment sytem and disinfectant levels prevents these potential drawbacks to the use of chloramines. In addition, chloramine will deteriorate natural rubber products like toilet tank "flapper valves" faster than chlorine. Alternative synthetic products are available in plumbing and hardware stores if rubber deterioration becomes a problem.

How many people use drinking water that has been treated with chloramine?

Approximately one-third of all public water systems in the United States use chloramine for residual disinfection. In a 1998 national survey, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that water systems serve drinking water containing chloramine residuals to more than 68 million people across the country. In Pennsylvania, 73 public water systems serving more than 4 million people receive water containing these residuals.

Does chloramine cause a skin rash or irritate my lungs when I shower or bathe?

Drinking water chloramine levels that meet the EPA standard are associated with minimal to no risk and should be considered safe. According to Dr. Jeffrey K. Griffiths at the Tufts University School of Medicine. "There is no scientific literature to support the contention that chloramine or ammonia exposures of any significance occur because of respiration. The levels of ammonia found in chlorinated water do not act as a skin irritant given their very low levels, and the levels of ammonia found in chloraminated water are dwarfed by the amounts of ammonia found in foodstuffs."

Irritating effects to the eyes and nose, stomach discomfort or anemia can occur by drinking water containing chloramines well in excess of the Maximum Residual Disinfectant Levels. High levels would only occur with improper operation of the water treatment and distribution system. DEP reviews and approves the use of chloramines and all other chemicals or additives in public drinking water systems. In addition, DEP reviews the suitability of all proposed equipment and its operational requirements to ensure that all facilities are effectively and reliably operated to produce finished water that meets all current Pennsylvania standards for safe drinking water.

Does chloramine increase lead levels in my drinking water?

Regardless of whether a water system uses chlorine or chloramine for disinfection, optimum treatment for lead control is important. In some instances, water systems have experienced elevated lead levels immediately after converting to chloramine. These problems were usually attributable to unique circumstances and are avoidable if the conversion process is monitored and managed properly.

Will chloramine irritate my skin or lungs while swimming in a pool?

Proper water quality maintenance in pools will prevent skin and lung irritation. Most swimming pool owners use chlorine as a disinfectant. Inadequate chlorine addition or improper pH levels can contribute to the creation of chemical compounds, such as dichloramine and trichloramine, which are the most likely causes for irritation from swimming. Maintaining a pH level of 7.2 to 7.8 is necessary to control the formation of dichloramine and trichloramine. The type of disinfectant used to treat water does not change the necessary chemical maintance for swimming pool owners nor does it alter the effectiveness of those chemicals used for treatment.

How does chloramine affect dialysis patients?

Dialysis centers and hospitals are notified before a water system converts to chloramine. Like chlorine, chloramine residuals need to be removed from water that is used for dialysis machines. These machines already contain carbon filters that are designed to remove chlorine and chloramines. As part of their standard test procedures, technicians check for total chlorine residuals (due to chloramine) to ensure the residual is zero. A change in the disinfectant used to treat the water will not impact or require any change in the normal operation of dialysis machines.

How does chloramine affect aquarium hobbyists and fishpond owners?

Chloramine residuals need to be removed from water that is added to aquariums and fishponds. Aquarium hobbyists may obtain an inexpensive conditioner and a test kit from a local pet store or aquarium supply store. Alternatively, hobbyists may purchase a carbon filtration system that is designed to remove chloramine. Pond owners may need to purchase a conditioner or ammonia binder in bulk quantities if more than one percent of the total water volume in the pond is replaced at one time.

Where can I learn more?

Visit EPA’s Web page containing "Information about Chloramine in Drinking Water" at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/chloramine/index.html

Source: DEP Daily Update, 8/10/07 http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/news/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=527537

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May 16, 2007

EQB Unanimously Adopts Proposed PN Rulemaking,
Guidance to Follow

Source: DEP Website
Special thanks to: Erik Ross

On May 16, 2006, the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) unanimously adopted the Proposed Rulemaking: Public Notice on Drinking Water Systems (Public Notification Revisions to Title 25, Pa. Code Chapter 109. Safe Drinking Water). As the proposed rulemaking notes, DEP is developing a policy guidance (I've seen their draft, but it's not complete yet) to provide additional information about situations that require one hour reporting, including main breaks. As you may know, Lisa Daniels of DEP met with the PA-AWWA Water Utility Council earlier this year and outlined the department's intensions to develop a "decision tree" guidance that will spell out the department's expectations on situations requiring one hour reporting. The intent of this guidance is to provide a uniform statewide standard for water suppliers and the DEP regions to follow. This guidance will follow the Proposed PN Rulemaking on a parallel track, with the expectation of a draft being submitted to the TAC Board for review and comment in the near future (timely will depend on release from the DEP Policy Office).

Public Comment -- DEP expects the Proposed PN Rulemaking to be printed in the Pennsylvania Bulletin within 60 days, upon which time the 60 day comment period (FYI -- EQB can propose 30, 60 or 90-day comment periods) will begin. This should provide the water industry with ample time to get our comments ready to be submitted.

Hearings -- It is not anticipated that public meetings or hearings will be required. However, DEP has indicated their willingness to come before the WUC in June and answer any questions. In addition, PA-AWWA is planning a few training sessions with DEP to help educate public water suppliers about their responsibilities under this Proposed PN Rulemaking and DEP officials will be attending PMAA's conference in September.

The following is the link to the Public Participation Center: 2007 EQB Meeting Schedule. Click on the link and then scroll down to the May 16, 2007 meeting.

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/pubpartcenter/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=515987 .

In addition, templates for most Tier 1 and 2 public notification situations are on the department's website at

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/watersupply/cwp/view.asp?a=1251&q=510149

The following is the executive summary provided by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP):

Executive Summary

Public Notification Revisions to Title 25, Pa. Code Chapter 109. Safe Drinking Water

Purpose of Proposed Rulemaking:

The purpose of the proposed rulemaking package is to amend the Department's Safe Drinking Water regulations to strengthen the public notice requirements for imminent threat violations and situations (also known as Tier 1). The amendments will enhance the planning requirements of both the Operation and Maintenance Plan and the Emergency Response Plan sections that relate to public notification. In addition, we will revise the delivery requirements for community water systems, as appropriate to the type and size of the water system. Finally, these revisions will provide a few more examples of those situations that need to be reported to the Department within 1 hour of discovery.

Summary of Amendments:

Operation and Maintenance Plan:

The Department wants suppliers to store contaminant fact sheets as a resource to respond to questions from the consumers and media about health effects and available treatment options.

Emergency Response Plan:

The Department has specified the information that must be included in an emergency response plan.

The Department has expanded the list of people suppliers need to communicate and coordinate with during an emergency to include: local emergency management agencies, government agencies, and sensitive sub-populations.

The Department has included a requirement for procedures for providing an approved alternative water source during an emergency situation.

Delivery methods for Tier 1 public notices:

Currently the public notification regulation allows water suppliers to choose one or more of the following types of delivery for a Tier 1

notice: broadcast media, posting in conspicuous locations throughout the area served, hand delivery to persons served, or another delivery method approved by DEP.

The revisions will specify the type of delivery method that must be used based on the system's population size and the type of consumers who are being contacted.

* To contact bill paying customers, we are now requiring that water suppliers provide direct delivery of the Tier 1 public notice either by hand delivery, e-mail, or automatic telephone dialing systems.

* To reach those people who are transient and

nontransient users, the revisions will also require suppliers to use broadcast media such as radio or TV.

"Problem Corrected" Notice:

The revisions now require water suppliers to issue a "problem corrected" notice that a Tier 1 violation or situation has been corrected.

Content of abbreviated public notices:

The Department is now defining the minimum content elements that must be included in any Tier 1 notice that is delivered by automatic telephone dialing systems, TV scrollers, bullhorn announcements, or radio station news flashes.

* It is impossible to record the entire Tier 1 public

notice on an automatic telephone dialer or expect broadcast media to read the entire message. Furthermore, consumers would become quite annoyed at the length of the message.

* Consequently, the Department is specifying the

immediate and essential elements that need to be included and requiring suppliers to provide a telephone number or a website where consumers can hear or read the entire notice if they wish.

One-Hour Reporting:

The Department is including a few more examples of situations that require one hour reporting to the Department. These situations include:

* An overfeed of a drinking water treatment chemical.

* A situation that causes negative pressure in

the distribution system.

* A lack of resources that affect operations,

such as staff shortages, notification by the power utility of planned lengthy power outages, or imminent depletion of treatment chemical inventories.

Advisory Committee Review:

The draft proposed amendments were submitted for review to the Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Advisory Board (TAC) for review and discussion on May 18, 2006, July 12, 2006, and November 16, 2006. Comments were received from the TAC on November 21, 2006.

Adoption Deadline:

The Department recommends that the Board incorporate the proposed amendments into the Pa. Safe Drinking Water Regulations (25 Pa. Code Chapter 109) in order to strengthen the public notice requirements for imminent threat violations and situations. These regulations should be adopted during 2007.

Recommendations for Public Comment Period and Public Meetings/Hearings:

The Department recommends a 60-day public comment period. It is not anticipated that public meetings or hearings will be required.

_____________________

May 14, 2007

USEPA Has Updated Its Public Notification
Webpage

Public notification is intended to ensure that consumers will always know if there is a problem with their drinking water. These notices immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health. They also notify customers if their water does not meet drinking water standards, the water system fails to test its water, or if the system has been granted a variance (use of less costly technology) or an exemption (more time to comply with a new regulation)

Public notification has always been part of the Safe Drinking Water Act and in 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised the existing Public Notification Rule to better tailor the form, manner, and timing of the notices to the relative risk to human health. The revised rule makes notification easier and more effective for both water systems that must do the notification and to their customers.

* Basic Information

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/publicnotification/basicinformation.html - Provides an explanation of the purpose of the Public Notification (PN) Rule and general information on the required content of notices.

* Where You Live

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/publicnotification/whereyoulive.html - Through EPA's Envirofacts system you can find information on violations reported, and enforcement actions taken against individual water systems since 1993.

* PN Rule

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/publicnotification/regulations.html - Published PN rule and related regulatory development information.

* Compliance Help

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/publicnotification/compliancehelp.html - Provides guidance documents and materials to assist drinking water systems and primacy agencies with implementation of the PN rule.

Source: USEPA http://www.epa.gov/safewater/publicnotification/

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Governor Rendell Announces $79 Million Investment in Water Infrastructure Projects in 15 Counties

Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule; (Safe Drinking Water)

Obama signs stimulus bill with $2B for drinking water

Pennsylvania voters approve funds for water, sewer projects

Compliance Help

For Water System Owners and Operators

Communication Tips

For Primacy Agencies

Training Materials

Editorial: Drug Disposal

A prescription for cleaner water

Drinking water in state is safe, official says

Bill to force fluoridation spurs debate


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