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The Latest AWWA, Legislative, EPA and PA DEP Regulatory Information: 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. ___________________ 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 __________________
May 14, 2009:
AWWA Webcast...H1N1 Planning and Response for
Water Utilities
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: 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. ______________________
"Red Flags" Enforcement Rule
______________________
Pandemic Influenza Guidebook 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 19th. April 17, 2009
AWWA Webcast: Setting
Rates in a Tough Economy scheduled for May 13, 2009 April 15, 2009 AWWA advisory regarding an upcoming episode of PBS’s Frontline entitled “Our Poisoned Waters.” FRONTLINE EXAMINES NEWEST HEALTH HAZARDS IN NATION’S CONTAMINATED WATERWAYS FRONTLINE Presents 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. ____________________
April 10, 2009 The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and PA Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) are sponsoring two additional outreach opportunities on April 14th and April 20th. 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: 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 25, 2009
Attention: Young Professionals...Join AWWA
for the Special Rate of $99!!!
March 20, 2009
ASCE's Release of Full 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure Personnel
Announcement by John Hanger, DEP 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 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:
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 ________________
March 13, 2009
Pennsylvania State Water Plan (Act 220)
Compliments of Congressman
Paul Kanjorski: Potential Funding Opportunities from the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act ________________ 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”. ________________ February 27, 2009 AWWA Washington Report
Click here for more information
February 23, 2009 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. 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. 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 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: 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) 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 or by e-mail to drotz@state.pa.us.
________________ Source: EPA Press Release, 2/19/09 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 _______________
February 17, 2009 Obama signs stimulus bill with $2B for drinking waterEditor'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:
"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:
Compliments of Erik Ross, Delta Development: Some of the highlights include:
_______________ February 16, 2009
Drinking Water Week is May 3-9, 2009
February 13, 2009 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 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. ________________ January 29, 2009
Washington Report
January 26, 2009
ASCE:2009 Report Card for America's
Infrastructure ________________
Important AWWA Legislative Alert...Economic Stimulus Program
Most Recent... Here is a better link
to all of the members of the House Committee on Appropriations:http://appropriations.house.gov/members110th.shtml
_______________ 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 _______________ January 19, 2009 AWWA Washington Report
Click here
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
December 18, 2008 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: ________________________
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.
______________________________ December 10, 2008
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. _______________________ The Latest on 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. 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: ________________________ November 17, 2008
By KEITH PARADISE Staff writer
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. 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 ________________________ October 30, 2008:
Water additive pact requires customer alert
Article
BY ELLEN LYON
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. ________________________ October 23, 2008 The Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) has announced it will grant a six-month delay of
enforcement of the "Red Flags" rule until May 1, 2009. October 23, 2008 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.
2008 State
of Industry Report October 15, 2008
The attached AWWA advisory was
sent to utilities this afternoon, letting them know about an AP story that
ran today on contaminants found in bottled water. ________________________ October 6, 2008 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.
Click here
for more information September 26, 2008 The attached AWWA release regarding this week’s signing of the Total Coliform Agreement in Principle was sent this afternoon.
Click here for more
information
September 25, 2008 Click here for more information ________________________ September 22, 2008 The attached AWWA alert is regarding the recent signing, in Washington, D.C., of the Total Coliform Rule Agreement-in-Principle was sent to our utility members last Thursday, September 18th.
The second attached alert
regarding AWWA soliciting the assistance of utilities – on behalf of the
USEPA’s request for information – that currently measures either free or
total chlorine residual levels using online, amperometric chlorine
analyzers, was sent to our utility members this morning.
Total Coliform Rule Agreement-in-Principle
_________________________ PUC Tentatively Approved Pilot Program for Water Companies to Better Track and Reduce Levels of Unaccounted-for Water HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Thursday tentatively approved a voluntary pilot program to help its jurisdictional water companies better track and reduce levels of unaccounted-for water. “An enhanced, more comprehensive method has been developed by the International Water Association and the American Water Works Association which gives every indication that it offers superior data and indicators for improved operational accountability. The Water Audit not only assists utilities to identify where the water losses are occurring, but also expresses by volume how much is lost and at what cost,” Commissioner Powelson said in his motion. “Utilities participating in our pilot program, along with their customers, will be well served by implementing the Water Audit methodology. Operational efficiencies can be expected through improved tracking of costs to pump and treat water that is not revenue producing. Ultimately, tighter control of water production to match the actual customer demand will assist in sustaining existing water sources while controlling expenses.” The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a motion by Commissioner Robert F. Powelson to seek comments on the creation of a Water Audit pilot program that will enhance the companies’ tracking of levels of unaccounted-for water, which is water that is lost between the treatment plant and sale to customers. It can be caused by things such as underground leakage, inaccurate billing information and unauthorized use. Interested parties have 30 days to comment on the proposed Water Audit program. Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy issued a statement asking questions of those making comments. Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli also issued a statement that included a list of questions. The Water Audit is designed to provide an effective, standardized structure by guiding the water utility to quantify apparent and real loss volumes in a systemized approach and assigning cost impacts to the losses. The voluntary pilot program would further overall infrastructure reliability, help preserve water resources, limit water leakage, and enhance customer service. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us. _________________________ September 11, 2008
AWWA Pharmaceutical Advisory
regarding upcoming AP story
September 3, 2008 Last week, the EQB submitted this final-form regulation to the House and Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committees and IRRC. The final-form regulation as submitted by EQB can be found at IRRC’s website (www.irrc.state.pa.us) at the following link: www.irrc.state.pa.us/Documents/SRCDocuments/Regulations/2585/AGENCY/Document-10470.pdf The actual regulation begins on page 23 of this file. IRRC is scheduled to meet and act on this regulation at 10:30 a.m. on October 2, 2008. The agenda for, or any changes to the time or date of our public meeting, will be posted on IRRC's website at www.irrc.state.pa.us. IRRC’s public meeting will be held on the 14th floor at 333 Market Street in Harrisburg. Under Section 5.1(j.2) of the Regulatory Review Act (Act) (71 P.S. § 745.5a(j.2)), the review period for the House and Senate Committees ends 24 hours before the IRRC public meeting (or at 10:30 a.m. on October 1, 2008). Contact information for the Committees and individual legislators can be found at www.legis.state.pa.us. If you would like to comment on this regulation, written comments may be sent to IRRC by fax at (717) 783-2664, by email to irrc@irrc.state.pa.us, or by regular mail using the address listed at the bottom of this email. Written comments should reference the regulation number: #7-403 (#2585). Written comments sent to IRRC will be included in IRRC’s public record file which is now available on the internet. If you submit comments to a legislator, Committee or IRRC, please consider also “cc’ing” DEP by sending comments to one or both of the following persons and addresses:
Pursuant to the Regulatory Review Act, written comments submitted by the public on this regulation received within 48 hours of the public meeting are “embargoed” and the IRRC Commissioners cannot read them until the meeting is called to order. Please share this information with other interested individuals or groups. I hope this information is helpful. If you, other members of your organization or other interested parties have informal comments or questions regarding the regulatory review process or this regulation, please contact Mike Stephens (mstephens@irrc.state.pa.us or (717) 783-8491) or me by telephone or via email. Thanks for your time and consideration. John H. Jewett Regulatory Analyst, Telephone: (717) 783-5475 INDEPENDENT REGULATORY REVIEW COMMISSION 333 Market Street, 14th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101 Main Telephone: (717) 783-5417, Fax: (717) 783-2664 E-mail: irrc@irrc.state.pa.us, Website: www.irrc.state.pa.us
_________________________ 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. Click here for more information _________________________ July 25, 2008
AWWA Regulatory Alert _________________________
July 21, 2008
July 11, 2008
________________________ Public Notification (PN) from EPA's Website Compliance HelpYou will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more. This page provides resources for drinking water system owners and operators to assist them in complying with requirements of the Public Notification (PN) rule. Primacy agencies (the entities that regulated drinking water systems) can also find information to assist in PN compliance.
For Water System Owners and Operators
Communication Tips
For Primacy Agencies
Training Materials
_____________________
May 5, 2008
Pennsylvania's Sustainable
Water Infrastructure Task Force
April 15, 2008 Article from: The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial: Drug DisposalA prescription for cleaner waterOK . . . take a deep breath, have a drink of water, and look at this clearly. > For more than a decade, studies have shown that pharmaceutical drugs and their by-products are finding their way into the water supply, affecting the drinking water of millions of Americans. > A 2002 U.S. Geological Survey study found that 80 percent of the streams tested had measurable amounts of drugs, steroids and reproductive hormones. Recent studies of Philadelphia-area supplies showed 56 pharmaceuticals or their by-products in treated drinking water; 63 such compounds were discovered in city watersheds. > This is mostly a legacy of being rich enough to afford good health care. The sources for our local water have concentrations of these compounds, but the good news is that water-treatment facilities have good ways to filter out most of them. > It's not clear yet how trace pharmas in water affect the human body. The amounts are extremely tiny - but they are powerful, they're there long-term, and who wants them? It's not cause for panic or paranoia - it's cause for more study. > What science does know is that trace pharmas in water have a profound effect on plant and animal populations around the world. No doubt about that one. > How do the drugs get there? One way we can't do much about: They move through the human body and out again into the water supply. > What we can change is the heedless way we dispose of the drugs. We throw them in the trash - or, worse, flush them right into the water supply. > So what should we do with untaken drugs? > Follow the advice of the Office of National Drug Control Policy: > (a) Trash with care - mix them with coffee grounds or cat litter (to discourage garbage drug thieves), seal them in a plastic bag, and then put them in the trash. Dumps and landfills often have linings that can prevent properly sealed drugs from leaching into groundwater. > (b) Use drug take-back programs, run by some hospitals and pharmacies (check with your local) and a few drug companies. > In the Pennsylvania legislature, House Bill 2073, now in committee (but it's been there since November - giddyup!), is a good start. It requires drug retailers to have take-back programs, and to inform consumers of disposal options for unused drugs. > A lot else could happen: > Towns have special days and ways for picking up trees, electronic components, batteries, etc. Why not do the same for unused drugs? Models exist in Oregon, Wisconsin and California. > Drug companies should continue trying to design drugs so that their post-metabolic remains are not water-soluble. > Everyone is entitled to water he or she can trust - and by and large, we have it. You are what you drink - but you shouldn't be what other folks throw away. ___________________ March 17, 2008 Contact: David Sternberg (215) 814-5548, sternberg.david@epa.gov
EPA Settlement with PHILADELPHIA (March 17, 2008) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a proposed settlement with Upper Southampton Sewer Authority in Southampton, Bucks County, Pa., for violations of the Clean Water Act. As part of the settlement, the authority will conduct an awareness campaign to encourage proper collection and disposal of unused pharmaceuticals in order to help protect drinking water sources. The campaign will include preparing and distributing materials to institutional customers such as local hospitals, retirement communities, and schools about the proper disposal of prescription drugs. "This settlement is extremely timely given recent information about pharmaceuticals in drinking water. While there is no evidence that trace-amounts of pharmaceuticals in drinking water causes a health threat, we all need to do what we can to make sure our water remains healthy to drink,” said Donald S. Welsh, EPA Regional Administrator for the mid-Atlantic region. The settlement resolves unpermitted sanitary sewer discharges to Mill Creek from 2002 through 2006. The estimated cost of the pharmaceutical project is $10,800. Under the settlement, the authority will also pay a $16,200 penalty. The proposed settlement will undergo a 40-day comment period before becoming final. For more information about pharmaceuticals in drinking water go to: http://www.epa.gov/ppcp/ ___________________
March 14, 2008 Drinking water in state is safe, official says
Pharmaceuticals found elsewhere are at tiny levels, companies note
BY CHRIS
A. COUROGEN Don't worry. Go ahead. Drink the water. That's what state and local water officials are saying in reaction to reports that pharmaceuticals have been found in drinking water around the nation. "Pennsylvania's drinking water is safe and will continue to be safe," said Neil Weaver, spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection. Local water companies don't test for pharmaceuticals in their water, but they point to the small amounts detected elsewhere as evidence there is no need for concern. "The research we have looked at found concentrations that were 20,000 to as much as 70,000 times lower than an acceptable daily intake," United Water spokesman Bob Manbeck said. "We believe if EPA [the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] were concerned about the trace amounts found in certain waters, they would make testing mandatory." The levels are so low that only recently has technology advanced to the point of allowing them to be detected. United, which serves 45,000 customers in the midstate, does not own equipment capable of detecting traces that small, Manbeck said. "It's parts per trillion," Weaver said. "It's like a grain of sand in an Olympic-sized swimming pool." "Sure, these compounds have been detected around the country at low levels. It is our understanding they do not pose a health impact," Manbeck said. "Researchers are more certain about the impacts on fish and wildlife." But low levels of chemicals concern some experts. Pharmaceuticals in waterways have been shown to feminize male fish. Studies have also shown the drugs affect sentinel species at the foundation of the pyramid of life -- such as earth worms in the wild and zooplankton in labs. "It brings a question to people's minds that if the fish were affected ... might there be a potential problem for humans?" EPA research biologist Vickie Wilson said. "It could be that the fish are just exquisitely sensitive because of their physiology or something. We haven't gotten far enough along." The equipment Pennsylvania American Water uses to test for more than 100 contaminants mandated by the EPA and DEP could be used to test for trace amounts of drugs, spokesman Terry Maenza said. But the company, which has 30,000 customers locally, won't check for pharmaceuticals in its water until those agencies require it, he said. "We are capable of doing it. We have the technology," Maenza said. "What the EPA requires us to do, we are testing for." The chairman of the Public Utility Commission, Wendell F. Holland, said yesterday it is seeking to determine what action to take and could begin an investigation. The city-owned Harrisburg Water System, which serves about 77,000 people in the city, Penbrook and Susquehanna and Lower Paxton Twps., also doesn't test for pharmaceuticals. City spokesman Matt Coulter said the city's water supply is at a low risk for pharmaceutical contamination because there are no wastewater treatment facilities upstream of its six-billion-gallon reservoir north of the city. There are homes with private septic systems within the 13,500-acre watershed that drains into the city's reservoir. "Septic systems are essentially small treatment plants that are essentially unmanaged and therefore tend to fail," said researcher Anthony Aufdenkampe of the Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale. Aufdenkampe has found caffeine contamination in water samples from New York City's upstate watershed. Local bottlers of spring water also don't test for pharmaceuticals. "I don't think there is a problem," said Jim Okum, general manager of Sweet Arrow Springs, which bottles water from a spring in Pine Grove. Okum said in light of the recent reports, he plans to consult with the outside lab Sweet Arrow uses for testing and might have it test for pharmaceuticals, even if regulators do not require it. "If customers request it, we would probably have it done," Okum said. Scott Hoover, general manager of Roaring Springs, said his company isn't concerned because its groundwater source is not influenced by surface water. Roaring Springs tests its water every day. "We would know it the day it happened if we had surface water contamination," Hoover said. But groundwater is not immune to pharmaceutical contamination. A 2006 study by the U.S. Geological Survey of streams and wells in Cumberland, Lebanon and Lancaster counties found while the problem is worse downstream from municipal wastewater plants, drugs are being found in other water, too. J. Kent Crawford of the USGS office in New Cumberland, who managed the study, said researchers found pharmaceutical contamination everywhere they looked.
___________________ ___________________
February 13, 2008 ___________________ February 11, 2008 Bill to force fluoridation spurs debate
_________________
February 6, 2008
February 4, 2008 __________________
December 21, 2007
A copy of
the comments in PDF format is attached. In addition, the
Commission’s comments will soon be available on the web at
www.irrc.state.pa.us.
December 20, 2007 http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/watersupply/cwp/view.asp?a=1251&q=510149
Written comments. Interested persons are invited to submit comments, suggestions or objections regarding the proposed rulemaking to the Environmental Quality Board, P. O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477 (express mail: Rachel Carson State Office Building, 16th Floor, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2301). Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted. Comments, suggestions or objections must be received by the Board by November 21, 2007. Interested persons may also submit a summary of their comments to the Board. The summary may not exceed one page in length and must also be received by November 21, 2007. The one-page summary will be provided to each member of the Board in the agenda packet distributed prior to the meeting at which the final regulation will be considered. Electronic comments. Comments may be submitted electronically to the Board at RegComments@state.pa.us and must also be received by the Board by November 21, 2007. A subject heading of the proposal and a return name and address must be included in each transmission. A copy of the rulemaking can be found at: http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol37/37-38/1754.html . Source: PA Bulletin, 9/22/07
_______________________
_____________________ August 10, 2007 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 ______________________ May 16, 2007
Source:
DEP Website 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.
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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/ _____________________ |
PNiWriter