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The Latest AWWA, Legislative, EPA and PA DEP Regulatory Information:
September 1, 2010: AWWA Regulatory Alert Please find below a link to an AWWA Regulatory Alert that went out today regarding a comment period extension for the Revised Total Coliform Rule. Comments are now due Oct. 13. http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/090110secondRTCRalert.pdf ______________________
August 27, 2010: AWWA Utility Advisory http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/08272010SustainabilitySurvey.pdf
http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/PressReleases/081710WSORelease.pdf Thank
you, _______________________
August 13, 2010: EPA Drinking Water Strategy Listening Session on August 16, 2010
August 11, 2010: PA DEP's Drinking Water News (Summer
Edition) http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/public_drinking_water/10549 This issue of Drinking Water News contains updates on a number regulatory revisions, information for laboratories related to error and warning messages in DWELR, articles about maintaining system integrity and security, and a number of hints, suggestions, and reminders for water supply owners and operators. We hope you enjoy the newsletter and find its contents to be helpful. Comments on the newsletter or its contents, and suggestions on items to include in future editions, are always welcome. Thank you. Joanne
Joanne Nardone |
Water Program Specialist __________________________ August 10, 2010 AWWA Regulatory Alert
Below please find the link to a regulatory alert that went to AWWA utility
members this morning, requesting that they review EPA’s suggested revisions to
the Total Coliform Rule. For questions, please contact Steve Via at svia@awwa.org. _____________________________
August 6, 2010 TO: Section Directors, Chairs, Secretary-Treasurers, Section Staff, Section Government Affairs Chairs, & Section Public Affairs Chairs
Legislative Alert to Sections The attached memo is a call to action issued by the AWWA Government Affairs Group. AWWA is encouraging sections to support the advocacy work accomplished in Washington, D.C., with district-level meetings in congressional offices on the district level. The Government Affairs Group has provided a set of resources for your use. A webinar will broadcast at 2:00 p.m., EDT, on Monday, August 12, to further assist you in your planning for these district-level meetings. For questions, please contact Tommy Holmes, AWWA Legislative Director, at tholmes@awwa.org or 202-326-3128. Utility Members...Talk to your Senators ASAP!!!
Key issues: Chemical
Security and SRF Reform and Reauthorization
_____________________________ IRRC Unanimously Approves Final-Form Regulations RE: Administration of the Water and Wastewater Systems Operators’ Certification Program On August 5, 2010 the Pennsylvania Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) met to consider seven regulation, including 2774 Environmental Quality Board #7-433: Administration of the Water and Wastewater systems Operators’ Certification Program Commissioner Fineman asked if the Board has the statutory authority to issue the regulation. Leslie Lewis Johnson, Chief Counsel for the Commission, affirmed “the Department can promulgate this regulatory package.” Veronica Kasi, Chief of Division of Technical Assistance and Outreach for the Department of Environmental Protection, said the regulations are “in response to amendments to the 1996 Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and a program has been in place since October 2002 to meet the requirements under that federal act, if we don’t continue to implement the program and meet those requirements we stand to lose 20 percent of the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund which for 2010 is $7.4 million.” She noted that the Board did a “significant amount of outreach,” which included a number of workshops and public hearings for all affected parties. Serena DiMagno, Legislative Regulatory Chairman of the Water Works Association of Pennsylvania, took issue with the term “consequences” that is found in the regulation. “The term consequences in both the legal and common dictionary definitions relates to results that are beyond the immediate and direct control of an operator; by its own common response document statement, DEP has confirmed that it is the intention of the Department to hold individual operators legally responsible for results that occur remotely or indirectly from their actions which can include permit violations,” she stated. “This situation becomes further complicated with the introduction of entirely new reporting requirements.” “We sincerely hope the Commission will consider the impact of reversing a long-standing legal concept of the employer’s right to assign duties to their employees,” DiMagno stated. “We ask the Commission to consider the strict liability created for operators by statute; Section 1014C of the Act states ‘operators can be held liable for violations of their obligations regardless of willfulness or negligence.’ We and other associations have voiced our concerns for this issue repeatedly with the Department. No other professionals, including doctors, engineers, lawyers, or accountants, are held to strict liability and have the ability to obtain liability coverage. No professional is infallible and a strict liability provision of these regulations exposes operators to undue personal financial risk.” Chairman Arthur Coccodrilli said the Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems Operator Certification provides protections to operators including the following: · Recognizing the certified operator cannot be held responsible for consequences beyond his control due to a lack of resources provided by the owner of the system; · Recognizing the certified operator cannot be held responsible for actions done by a negligent employee or with malice; · Requires the Department to petition a Certification Board to suspend or modify or revoke a operator’s license etc. · Gives the certified operator a chance to remedy the situation through compliance with a Department order. Chairman Coccodrilli questioned, “Are you saying that people should not be held responsible for the job they are doing and are you saying that what the Department has provided is not true?” DiMagno said “there are instances in which an operator will be held responsible that they cannot control.” In regard to enforcement actions that have been taken since 2002, “in many instances those operators because of the expense involved to defend against those kinds of charges have simply surrendered their licenses.” Chairman Coccodrilli said “it’s a matter of accepting responsibility for your actions” and emphasized that “there are protections in here that shows me that the Department has been more than gracious in doing what they have to do.” Randy Hurst, Member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Operators Association, stated “we have tried since 2002 to work with DEP and we have been treated with disrespect, with dishonesty and they are now not only are they lying to us but are lying about us.” Commissioner Fineman took issue with Hurst saying the association was treated dishonestly. “State employees are trying their hardest to do a good job at what are probably wages that they have a heck of lot of problems with considering the budgetary problems, so when someone says they were dealt with dishonestly they should certainly have information to give before they make those comments,” he stated. Hurst stood by his remark and said “they claim that the associations helped develop the regulations, but in fact our organizations have consistently, repeatedly and perspicuously objected to these regulations.” Commissioner John Mizner questioned “if there is not one single thing in these proposed regulations that you or organization supports, agrees with, suggested or recommended to the Department.” Hurst indicated that there are issues that the organization agrees with. Commissioner Bedwick said “the focus of our consideration must be on the criteria within the Regulatory Review Act” and noted “you could prove to me that they lied to you through the process and it would be irrelevant if it complies with both the statutory authority and the other criteria in the Act.” Hurst said “there are specific requirements in the regulations that go beyond what the law says” and creates confusion in the operator community. Commissioner Fineman reiterated that Johnson said the regulations could be issued and questioned if it is the association’s position that it cannot be issued. Hurst said “there are several ways in which these regulations conflict with and are contrary to existing law.” Commissioner Fineman asked again if the regulations are authorized by existing law. Hurst stated “we have a long standing common law tradition that goes back centuries, the concept of agency and the employer and employee relationships” and emphasized “those relationships are long-established an reliable and what these regulations do is say ‘that’s going to be different now’ and employer may no longer assign duties to a certified operator.” Commissioner Fineman questioned again if the Board is authorized to change the law. Hurst said “absolutely not.” Johnson said “when we looked at the regulation, we did not see that while the Department was adding a lot of requirements to the regulation, we didn’t find that it actually altered the underlying statute.” Commissioner Bedwick said “what the question comes down to is: what would be your position in terms of what the Legislature meant by the words’ including but not limited to’.” Hurst said “when they say ‘included but limited to’ doesn’t mean anything at all, it’s not carte blanche” and emphasized “there are particular issues in here that are not reasonable.” Commissioner Bedwick questioned if it is the association’s position that it should not be covered by the Clean Streams Law. “What we’re saying is the liability as it exists now, is that the permittee is expected to comply with that permit and the permittee instructs his employs what to do; if those employees do what they’re supposed to do and there’s a permit violation, the permittee is liable,” Hurst stated. “This says we’re not going to do that anymore. These rules say if you make a mistake, something goes wrong you are responsible for the consequences, which as you know, is a permit violation. I know things are going to go wrong no matter how hard I work. I can’t control when a bolt is going to break, I can’t control when something weird comes into the treatment plant and it kills all of the bacteria. Nevertheless, I’m the one that’s there and the permit violation happened and these regulations say I’m responsible for it. Holding operators individually responsible for their wrong actions is certainly valid, holding operators responsible for any consequences for a decision they might make is way beyond the statute.” Commissioner Fineman questioned how the regulations compare to other states. Hurst stated “other states have nothing like this.” Chairman Coccodrilli said “people are hired to do a job if they do a job and there’s no malice in the decision making, there are all kinds of protections the Department has put down in writing.” William Murray, Chairman of the Western Brooks Water Authority, emphasized that there will be a great deal of litigation as a result of the regulations and indicated that there is not currently insurance available for operators. He said the regulations weaken the authority of the permittee and leave the liability of the operator unclear. “By giving the operator consequences to his actions and having this grey area legally creates a negative effect on the whole public protection,” he stated. “Right now if something goes wrong there is no doubt of who’s getting sued and who’s being held accountable.” Commissioner Bedwick questioned why permittees can get liability insurance and operators cannot. Murray stressed that insuring an individual is different than insuring an authority and opined that the operators are going to request a wage hike because of the regulations. Commissioner Fineman opined “you will pay an additional premium and what your company will require is for you to list on your policy your individual operators.” Hurst said “no underwriter will touch it, they will not do it.” Commissioner Fineman stated “they won’t touch them as an individual policy but if they’re working for somebody they’ll be listed under his policy.” Hurst responded “they can’t set a premium because they can’t calculate what the risk is.” Kasi then responded to several issues brought up by the associations. On the issue of what other states are doing, she stated “every state has regulations in place to comply with the guidelines that are comparable to ours or they lose 20 percent of the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund.” Commissioner Silvan Lutkewitte questioned if the activity of the permittee is the same as the operator. “The liability and responsibilities of the operator are much narrower than the responsibilities of the permittee and the owner,” Kasi stated. “The owner is responsible for everything that impacts that system and he is responsible for hiring the operator that is going to do the process control; the operator is then responsible for doing his job by operating that system.” Chairman Coccodrilli asked if the operator “is held responsible for only the things he is responsible for.” Kasi responded “that’s right.” Commissioner Bedwick questioned if the permittee is still responsible for overseeing the operator. Kasi stated “absolutely” and added “the Certification Act makes both the owner and the operator responsible.” She stressed that “the statute gave us the ability to put this program in place with interim guidelines and regs so in order to continue to be in compliance with federal requirements we’ve had to have the enforcement ability since 2002.” Kasi noted “since 1980 there have been nine operators filed against them.” Commissioner Fineman asked what the Department’s statutory authority is in issuing the regulations. Kasi said Section 4C of the Certification Act and Sections 13 and 14 of the Certification Act speak to the enforcement. Johnson agreed. Commissioner Fineman stressed “these regulations in no way limit in the liability of the permittee, it might increase the liability of an operator but it doesn’t limit the liability for the person who holds the permit in anyway.” Source: The Pennsylvania Letter, Volume 1, Number 314, 8/5/2010 _________________________
July 29, 2010: AWWA Washington Report -Senate Committee OK’s Chemical Bill Excluding Water Utilities -Environment Panel Discusses Chemical Security Program for Water Click here for more information _________________________
July 23, 2010: AWWA Washington Report You may wish to contact your Senators before next Wednesday, after you read this report.
Click here for more information Below, please find the link to a press release regarding AWWA’s upcoming webcast entitled “Implementing Low-Pressure Membrane Plants - The Utility Perspective.” _________________________ July 14, 2010: AWWA Alert regarding NPDES Pesticide General Permit for Point Source Discharges Below, please find the link to an AWWA regulatory alert regarding the opportunity to submit comments on the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Pesticide General Permit for Point Source Discharges from the Application of Pesticides.
http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/071310npdesPermit.pdf July 13, 2010: USEPA Drinking Water Strategy Web Dialogue Below, please find the link to an AWWA regulatory alert regarding the upcoming USEPA Drinking Water Strategy Web Dialogue. The online dialogue will provide an opportunity to give feedback on a new framework for addressing contaminants as group(s). http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/070710epaWebDialogue.pdf
I
wanted to share this with a large audience to be certain water utilities and
others in the water industry heard about this opportunity to provide input to
EPA on the new Drinking Water Strategy. Please share with others in your
organization! The link below is to the Federal Register notice of today,
7/13/2010, announcing a web dialogue to take place July 28th from 9 AM until
July 29th at 6 PM EDT.
July 13, 2010 http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-15205.pdf
Patti Kay Wisniewski _________________________
June 28, 2010: AWWA
Regulatory Alert...On-Line Nitrate Survey Below, please find the link to an AWWA regulatory alert concerning an online nitrate survey. http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/062810nitrateSurvey.pdf
_________________________ The following revisions have been made to the PN web page: Added 3 new Tier 1 situations that relate to Long Term 2 Surface Water (LT2) and Ground Water (GW) Rules (see #7, 8, and 9 and on page 2) Revised Tier 2 situations to include LT2 and GW rules (see #1 and 2 on page 2) Posted the "2010 PN Revisions Training Q & A" (see page 8) Here's the link to the PN web page: As soon as all of the LT2 and GW Tier 1 and Tier 2 templates are finalized, I will add them to the Tier 1 and Tier 2 PN templates section of this site.
Questions...Please contact:
Department of
Environmental Protection ___________________________
June 18, 2010: AWWA Regulatory Alert regarding Total Coliform Rule Below, please find the link to an American Water Works Association regulatory alert concerning the EPA's proposed revisions to the Total Coliform Rule. http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/061710revisedTCR.pdf ___________________________ June 15, 2010
FYI – As a follow up to the NAWC Fact Sheet I sent today, below is a Q/A from DEP’s Web page and a link to EPA’s Web page containing “Information about Chloramine in Drinking Water.” In addition, I’ve provided other links to information of interest on this topic. DEP Answers Questions About Chloramines and Drinking Water in Pennsylvania HARRISBURG (Aug. 10, 2009) – 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.
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 system 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 maintenance 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. As part of their standard test procedures, technicians check for total chlorine residuals (due to chloramine) to ensure the residual is zero. Some machines may need modifications depending on the method of chlorine removal that is currently used. A change in the disinfectant used to treat the water should not impact or require any change in the normal operation of dialysis machines. Home dialysis users should consult their physician or dialysis machine manufacturer for instructions. 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’s Web page, http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=7999&typeid=2 Other Web pages of Interest American Water Works Association (AWWA) AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the entire water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment. For more information go to www.awwa.org American Water
http://www.amwater.com/paaw/ensuring-water-quality/pa-chloramine-facts/pa-city-list.html
Engineering Feasibility Study on the Costs of Treatment Options for Reducing Disinfecting Byproducts in Public Drinking Water Systems in Vermont http://www.vermontdrinkingwater.org/ See page ES-8 in the Executive Summary. Special Thanks to: Erik A. Ross 717-441-9030 (Phone) 717-576-7461 (Cell)
eross@deltaone.com _________________________
June 14, 2010: AWWA Press
Release http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/PressReleases/061410DSS%2DWSC.pdf _______________________
June 10, 2010: Chloramines NAWC Fact Sheet and Additional Information
_______________________ This regulatory alert is similar to the press release sent yesterday regarding the EPA’s discussion of a new National Drinking Water Strategy at ACE10. Please find a link below directing you to the advisory. http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/060910ACEcynthiaEPA.pdf AWWA Press Release Below, find an AWWA press release concerning a listening session given by Director Cynthia Dougherty on the EPA's new National Drinking Water Strategy at ACE10. http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/PressReleases/060910ACEepaDougherty.pdf ________________________
May 26, 2010: House Committee Passes SRF Bill; Two Significant Amendments Added Click here for more information As always, please contact your AWWA Washington Office if you have any questions. Tommy Tommy Holmes 202 326-6128 ________________________ May 17, 2010 The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) submitted this final-form regulation to the House and Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committees (Committees), and Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC). If you commented on the proposed version of this regulation, the EQB may be sending you a copy of the final-form version. A copy of the final-form regulation, as submitted by the EQB to the Committees and IRRC, is available at the IRRC website at this link: www.irrc.state.pa.us/Documents/SRCDocuments/Regulations/2806/AGENCY/Document-18068.pdf Note: The final-form regulation in “Annex A” appears on pages 61-72 of this PDF document. After reviewing the regulation and if you or others want to express support for this regulation, or have comments, concerns, objections, questions or suggestions, please consider submitting written comments as soon as possible to IRRC. Interested parties may submit written comments on the regulation to IRRC, the Committees, or individual legislators (www.legis.state.pa.us). Written comments may be sent to our Commissioners at 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 ID number for this regulation: #7-446 (#2806). Written comments sent to IRRC will be included in IRRC’s public record file which is now available on the web. See the following link for more details on this regulation: www.irrc.state.pa.us/Regulations/RegInfo.cfm?IRRCNo=2806 If you submit comments to a legislator, Committee or IRRC, please also “cc” the EQB and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) by sending copies of comments to one or all of the following addresses:
Environmental
Quality Board Email Address: RegComments@dep.state.pa.us As noted above, interested parties should submit comments on the regulation as soon as possible. This will give IRRC time to review and consider your comments. IRRC will meet and act on this regulation at 10 a.m. on June 17, 2010. The agenda for, or any changes to the time, date or location of our public meeting, will be posted on IRRC's website at www.irrc.state.pa.us. IRRC’s public meetings are usually held in the Bush Meeting Room on the 14th floor at 333 Market Street in Harrisburg. Under the Regulatory Review Act, the Committees have the opportunity to also review and take action on this regulation. The review period for the Committees will end 24 hours before the IRRC public meeting (which would be 10 a.m. on June 16, 2010, for this regulation). IRRC meetings are open to the public, and the Chair routinely provides time for people in the audience to give verbal comments on a regulation. This is not a hearing. Therefore, speakers are not giving “testimony” and speak at the discretion of the Chair. Guidelines for participation in IRRC public meetings are available near the bottom of the web page at this link: www.irrc.state.pa.us/Meetings/ If you plan to attend the meeting on June 17, and would like to be recognized by the Chair for an opportunity to speak, please send me an email with your name and the name of your organization. Individuals and organizations with similar comments are encouraged to select one “spokesperson” to represent their views or position on the regulation at the public meeting. There is a “blackout period” before the public meeting. Pursuant to the Regulatory Review Act, written public comments on the 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 your colleagues, partners, other organizations, or other interested individuals or groups. I hope this information is helpful. If you, other members of your organization or profession, or other interested parties have informal comments or questions, or would like to discuss your views or concerns, please contact 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 _________________________ May 14, 2010 AWWA Washington Report Click here for more information ____________________________
May 13, 2010 May 13, there will be simultaneous hearings on infrastructure in two different House committees. We have submitted written comments to the committees in advance, and they are attached. The first hearing will be on draft legislation to make changes to the state revolving loan fund (SRF) program. This will be in the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, a part of the full House Committee on Energy and Environment. Here is a link to the committee website (I don’t know yet if there will be a webcast of the hearing): The second hearing, on infrastructure banks, will be in the House Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, a part of the House Committee on Ways and Means. Here is a link for more information, including a link to watch the hearing live: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings/hearingDetails.aspx?NewsID=11175 Below please find the link to a legislative alert that went to utility members this afternoon regarding comments AWWA recently submitted to Congress on SRF legislation and Infrastructure Bank legislation. http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/051310AWWAComments.pdf
____________________________ PA Department of Environmental Protection (EQB) proposed regulation #7-457 "Ambient Water Quality Criterion; Chloride" (IRRC #2841) The above-referenced regulation may be of interest to you and your organization. This proposed rulemaking was published in the May 1st edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Attached is a link to the publication – http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol40/40-18/771.html The link above includes instructions for submitting comments to the Department/EQB. Please note that all comments are considered public documents and will appear on IRRC’s website – www.irrc.state.pa.us. This rulemaking has a 45-day public comment period that closes on June 15th. If IRRC has any comments, they are due to the Department by July 15th. If you need more information about the regulatory review process in Pennsylvania, please contact me at the number below, or visit IRRC’s website. Scott Schalles ____________________________ May 10, 2010 AWWA Public Affairs Advisory Please find below a link to an AWWA Public Affairs Advisory regarding the President's Cancer Panel report, which was announced on Thursday. http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/AdvisoriesAlerts/050710PresidentsPanel.pdf _____________________________
May 7, 2010 Click here for more information _____________________________ April 30, 2010: CCR Template Revisions Dear Water Industry Folks: I have revised the CCR template and instruction documents (one for groundwater and one for surface water) and the CCR Water Supplier Checklist to include the new mandatory lead statement. This mandatory lead statement is required on all CCRs. The special educational language when exceeding lead is no longer necessary. The instructions include the note that water suppliers may now e-mail their CCRs to customers who have given them their e-mail addresses to save on delivery costs. Since we are still receiving more than 1500 CCRs in Central Office, I am asking that you mail your DEP copy of your CCR to Central Office in lieu of e-mailing it here. If you want to ask your local DEP sanitarian if he or she is willing to accept your CCR via e-mail, that's OK with us. We want to make sure that someone is updating the CCR page so that you get credit for getting it to DEP on time. If you need to determine if your CCR has been entered into PADWIS, we now report that information under the Drinking Water Reporting System page. Here's the link to this page: http://www.drinkingwater.state.pa.us/dwrs/HTM/Welcome.html Select Inventory data, then select CCR submissions to review all CCR data within PADWIS. For this CCR year, we are encouraging DEP staff to use their enforcement discretion about the new CCR requirements for the new rules (GWR, LT2SWTR/DBP2, and LCRSTR). By January 2011, I will have revised the CCR guidance with the new CCR requirements and water suppliers will be required to include these requirements in their 2011 CCR which is reporting their 2010 sample data. Here are the revised files that are also posted on eLibrary and on our CCR page which is found at the following link: Check above link for this information: CCR template and instructions for surface water systems CCR template and instructions for ground water systems CCR Water Supplier Checklist Please share this e-mail with other individuals within your organizations. Thank you! Deb Rotz | Water Program Specialist
Department of
Environmental Protection _____________________________ April 23, 2010 Attached please find the AWWA Washington Report for April 23. Inside, you will find the following articles:
Tommy Holmes ________________
_____________________________
April 12, 2010
http://www.awwa.org/files/GovtPublicAffairs/PressReleases/041210FilterOptimizationWebcast.pdf
April 9, 2010 The latest draft from DEP of the TDS regulation is available online at the DEP website at this link: Click on “Chapter 95 Annex A.” DEP staff will be discussing it with stakeholders on April 14 here in Harrisburg at DEP’s Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) meeting. The WRAC agenda is also available at the link as well as the “Chapter 95 Order.” ________________ March 30, 2010
PA Groundwater Recharge Information Available in User-Friendly Report
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|
Title |
Regulation & IRRC #s |
PA Bulletin Publication Date |
IRRC Comments Date |
|
Safe Drinking Water (Groundwater Rule) |
#7-425 (#2734) |
11/29/2008 |
1/28/2009 |
Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule; (Safe Drinking Water) |
#7-426 (#2735) |
12/20/2008 |
2/19/2009 |
|
Safe Drinking Water (Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule) |
#7-427 (#2736) |
12/20/2008 |
2/19/2009 |
More information about each proposed regulation is available on the web at www.pabulletin.com and www.irrc.state.pa.us/Regulations/#RegSearch.
If you submitted comments on one of these proposed rulemakings, the EQB should send you a copy of this final-form regulation.
The House and Senate Committees have the opportunity to review and take action on this regulation. The review period for the House and Senate Committees would end 24 hours before the IRRC public meeting (which would be 10:30 a.m. on November 4, 2009, for this regulation).
If you or others want to express support for this regulation, or have comments, concerns, questions or suggestions, please consider submitting written comments as soon as possible. Interested parties may submit written comments on the regulations to IRRC, the House and Senate Committees, or individual legislators (www.legis.state.pa.us).
Written comments may be sent to our Commissioners at 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 ID number for this regulation: #7-439 (#2797). Written comments sent to IRRC will be included in IRRC’s public record file which is now available on the internet. You may sign up for “email alerts” for additions to our public record files such as when IRRC receives a regulation or documents (such as correspondence) related to regulations, or when IRRC submits comments on a regulation, at www.irrc.state.pa.us.
If you submit comments to a
legislator, Committee or IRRC, please also “cc” the EQB and DEP by sending
comments to the following persons and addresses:
Lisa Daniels, Acting Chief
DEP Division of Operations Monitoring and Training
P.O. Box 8467
Rachel Carson State Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8467
Marylou Barton, Assistant Counsel
DEP Bureau of Regulatory Counsel
P.O. Box 8464
Rachel Carson State Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8464
Interested parties should submit comments on the regulation as soon as possible. This will give IRRC time to review and consider your comments. There is a “blackout period” before the public meeting. Pursuant to the Regulatory Review Act, public comments on the 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. If you, other members of your organization or profession, or other interested parties have informal comments or questions, please contact Jim Smith (jsmith@irrc.state.pa.us, (717) 783-5439) or me by telephone or via email.
I hope this information is helpful. 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
____________________
September 25, 2009
Please find attached an AWWA public affairs advisory about an Associated Press story on school water contamination that went out on 9/25/2009
Click here for more information
____________________
Town Hall meeting for
AWWA members to discuss the Drinking Water System Security Act legislation
Sept. 29, 2009 at 1pm-2pm EST
Attached please find an advisory from the American Water Works Association regarding an upcoming Town Hall meeting for AWWA members to discuss the Drinking Water System Security Act legislation, which will have its first hearing before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Additional chemical security talking point are also included.
Visit
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/579325339 to register for the town
hall meeting.
Advisory
Talking Points
____________________
September 23, 2009
Attached is the latest AWWA
Washington Report from the Government Affairs Office of AWWA. It is a
special one-page edition describing a significant regulatory action
involving EPA’s latest Contaminant Candidate List.
Click here
for more information
Regulatory alert
______________________
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
______________________
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.
13th.
Click here for more information
________________
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.
________________
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
________________ NEW!!! 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.
August 19, 2009:
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.
_________________
August 11, 2009
AWWA Legislative Alert: Chemical Security Legislation
_________________
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
_______________________
July 21, 2009
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 10th, 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.
___________________
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:
H1N1 Planning and Response for
Water Utilities
AWWA Public Affairs Advisory:
May 4, 2009
H1N1: Utility
Talking Points
__________________
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.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION UPDATE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
______________________
"Red Flags" Enforcement Rule
Deadline is May 1, 2009
Click here for more
information
______________________
April 29, 2009
Important Information for Water Utilities
Pandemic Influenza Guidebook
Click here for more
Information
__________________
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.
Click here for more
information
____________________
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
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.
____________________
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:
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.
____________________
March 26, 2009
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_________________
March 24, 2009
Attention: Young Professionals...Join AWWA
for the Special Rate of $99!!!
Click here for the
application
_________________
March 20, 2009
AWWA Public Affairs Advisory:
ASCE's Release of Full 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure
Click here for
more information
__________________
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
__________________
Pennsylvania State Water Plan (Act 220)
Website info
__________________
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
________________
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 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.
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.
________________
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
________________
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
_______________
February 17, 2009
From: AWWA Streamlines
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.
_______________
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
__________________
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.
________________
January 26, 2009
ASCE:2009 Report Card for America's
Infrastructure
Click here for
more info
________________
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.
_____________________
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
_____________________________
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.
Important Public Notification Information:
December 11, 2008
“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
DEP Daily UPDATE
December 3, 2008
Annex A for PN Revisions
AWWA 2008 State of Industry Report
Click here
________________________
November 5, 2008
Pennsylvania voters approve funds for water, sewer projects
Source: Public Opinion News
________________________
Of The Patriot-News
________________________
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
November
12 at 1pm New Administration Forecast Webcast
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.
Click here for more
information
________________________
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 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.
Click below for more information:
Total Coliform Rule Agreement-in-Principle
AWWA soliciting
the assistance of utilities
_________________________
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
_________________________
September 11, 2008
AWWA Pharmaceutical Advisory
regarding upcoming AP story
Click here
for more information
_________________________
September 3, 2008
EQB Final-Form Regulation#7-403 (#2585), Water Resource
Planning
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:
|
Susan K. Weaver, Chief |
Pamela G. Bishop, Assistant Counsel |
|
DEP Division of Water Use Planning |
DEP Bureau of Regulatory Counsel |
|
P.O. Box 8555 |
P.O. Box 8464 |
|
Rachel Carson State Office Building |
Rachel Carson State Office Building |
|
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8555 |
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8464 |
|
|
|
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
_________________________
August 22, 2008
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 21, 2008
AWWA's Presidential Challenge...Membership growth!
Click here for more
information
_________________________
May 23, 2008:
Public Notification (PN) from EPA's Website
You 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.
On this page
PNiWriter
EPA developed the
PNiWriter to allow water operators or other designated
personnel to enter data to generate a public notice that meets federal
requirements. The program takes users through the 10 required elements
of a public notice and allows users to insert and edit EPA’s recommended
text. PNiWriter is a web based applications that requires internet
access to use.
Revised Public Notification Handbook PDF (154
pp, 1,653 K)
816-R-07-003, March 2007
This guide was developed for community water systems and
non-transient non-community water systems. It provides instructions and
includes templates that can be used for various types of public notices.
Public Notification Handbook for Transient Non-community Water Systems
PDF (77 pp, 955 K)
816-R-07-004, March 2007
This guide was developed for transient non-community water systems.
It provides instructions and includes templates that can be used for
various types of public notices.
Microsoft Word files of PN templates
These templates can be used and customized by drinking water systems to
ensure they meet PN content requirements.
Washington State Department of Health
The Washington State Department of Health has
developed more than 2 dozen translations for informational statements to
use on notifications.
Quick Reference Guide PDF (4 pp, 23 K)
For other quick reference guides visit this page.
Fact Sheet: Final Drinking Water Public Notification Regulations
EPA 816-F-00-020, May 2000
Talking to your Customers about Chronic Contaminants in Drinking Water
PDF (2pp, 381K)
(About
PDF)
EPA 814-F-07-022, October 2007
State Implementation Guidance
816-R-01-010 / October 2001]
This guidance document and its appendices contain information that will
aid States in implementing the rule and applying for interim primacy.
Guidance Document PDF (69 pp, 759 K)
Appendices PDF (148 pp, 768 K)
Primacy Revision Crosswalk
Word Perfect File (239 K)
Microsoft Word File (535 K)
Training Materials
This Powerpoint presentation provides guidance to state and EPA staff on
how to implement the revised rule.
Powerpoint Slides (124 pp, 892 K)
PDF Version (124 pp,275 K)
_____________________
May 5, 2008
Drinking Water Week
Click here
for more information
The Value of
Water Infrastructure
Water System
Security
_____________________
Pennsylvania's Sustainable
Water Infrastructure Task Force
DEP's Water Infrastructure Link
Executive Order
2008-2
Task Force Members
_____________________
April 15, 2008
Latest AWWA Memo on Pharmaceuticals
Click here
for more information
_____________________
March 26, 2008
Article from: The Philadelphia Inquirer
OK . . . 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 14, 2008
Pharmaceuticals found elsewhere are at tiny levels, companies note
Patriot News: Friday, March 14, 2008
BY CHRIS
A. COUROGEN
Of The Patriot-News
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.
___________________
March 10, 2008
AWWA News Release regarding Pharmaceuticals in Drinking
Water
Click here for
more information
Public Affairs Advisory
___________________
February 19, 2008
AWWA: Facts and Filters...Helping Consumers Make Smart
Choices About Home Treatment Devices
Making Smart Choices
About Home Treatment Devices
Activated Carbon Filters
Reverse Osmosis
Water Softeners
___________________
February 11, 2008
|
By
Bob
Stiles The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County won't be adding fluoride to its drinking water unless a bill in the state Legislature becomes law. The measure would require all public water suppliers with 500 or more customers -- such as the Westmoreland authority -- to add fluoride. It is the first time in nearly 20 years that a bill attempts to make water fluoridation mandatory in Pennsylvania. That has drawn objections from some groups, including township supervisors who say the decision should be up to them. "Our position is a very simple one: We do whatever the state requires us to do, and currently the state does not require public-water suppliers to add fluoride to water," said Chris Kerr, authority manager. "If they require us ... we'll do it immediately." The bill, under review in the state House Appropriations Committee, is being pushed by the Pennsylvania Dental Association as a safe way to reduce tooth decay. Other groups question the safety of adding the compound to water. Still, Dr. Jon Johnston, president of the state dental association and a Punxsutawney dentist, said studies show that fluoride added to water in proper amounts helps to prevent tooth decay for all ages. "All the studies that have been done -- scientifically controlled ones -- show it's safe at levels of 0.7 to 1 part per million," Johnston said. He explained fluoride prevents cavities by making tooth enamel harder and more resistant to acids that cause decay. Johnston said the average cost to fluoridate water ranges from 50 cents to $3 per person per year. Most medical and dental organizations support the addition of fluoride to drinking water. They include the American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization. Officials at the state Department of Environmental Protection believe that fluoride added to water in proper levels is safe, said spokeswoman Helen Humphreys. The agency oversees public water suppliers. The House bill sponsored by Rep. Stephen Barrar, a Delaware County Republican, notes that the CDC calls water fluoridation "one of the 10 most significant public health achievements of the 20th century." But others, including environmental groups and believers in holistic health, reject fluoride's use. They question its effects on the body and say water fluoridation is unnecessary because the compound can be obtained through toothpaste and other means. They contend much of the fluoridated water is wasted because it is used for purposes other than drinking, such as watering lawns or washing cars. "It's not safe," said Mike Ewall, of ActionPA, a group opposed to adding fluoride to drinking water. "It's not effective. It's costly, and it's not ethical." The Westmoreland authority serves about 400,000 people, most in central Westmoreland County or eastern Allegheny County, and others in Fayette and Indiana counties, Kerr said. Others supplying water to the area include the Pennsylvania American Water Co., with nearly 330,000 customers, most in Allegheny and Washington counties. About 287,000 of American's customers here receive fluoridated water, said company spokesman Terry Maenza. The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority supplies fluoridated water to about 250,000 customers. John Hood, executive director of the Pennsylvania Rural Water Association, and Elam Herr, assistant executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors, said their memberships don't oppose the use of fluoride in water. But they do oppose being forced to add it, they said. "We think it should be a local choice," said Hood, whose group represents nearly 1,000 water suppliers, large and small. Herr's group has objected to mandatory fluoridation for more than two decades. "(Most supervisors) were all saying, If we want fluoride in our water supply ... then that's for us to make the decision," Herr said. "The state shouldn't mandate." They believe adding fluoride will cost too much and could lead to more liability concerns, he said. "And this is something that is not necessarily needed," Herr said. Johnston said the choice can't be left to water suppliers. It has to be forced by law. "There's not enough incentive for them to do it," Herr said. Paul Zielinski, a quality and environmental management specialist with the Pennsylvania American Water Co., said his company either adds dry or liquid fluoride to its system at 1 part per million. A pump that carefully measures amounts is used, he said. The level of fluoride is tested regularly, Zielinski said. "That's checked at least daily for every day we're in operation," he said. Maenza said the cost to set up a fluoridation system for a medium-size facility serving 1,300 to 4,000 customers is about $17 per household. That cost reflects various equipment needed to add the substance, the chemical and labor. Costs in subsequent years go down, Maenza said. Kerr said his Westmoreland authority receives about a dozen letters a year on fluoride when legislation is pending. "We have probably as many proponents for fluoride as we do not wanting fluoride," Kerr said. Fluoride • Fluoride, a compound of the chemical element fluorine, was first used purposely to prevent tooth decay in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1945. Fluoridation of drinking water has been common in the United States for more than 50 years. • Armstrong County's Ford City was the first community in Pennsylvania to adopt water fluoridation in 1951. Pittsburgh became the second the next year. • Of the 50 largest cities in the United States, 43 have community water fluoridation. • About half of the state's residents drink fluoridated water. • In Allegheny County about 94 percent of residents who are customers of public suppliers have fluoride in their drinking water. The number drops to about 67 percent in Indiana County, to about 31,000 of 46,409 public-water consumers. In Fayette County, it's 30 percent of public-water customers, or nearly 77,000 people. About 20 percent of Westmoreland County's 245,598 public-water customers, or nearly 47,800 people, have fluoridated water. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2001 report; Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 2008 figures. Bob Stiles can be reached at
bstiles@tribweb.com or
724-836-6622. |
_________________
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)
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.
Comments
__________________
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
__________________
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
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
_______________________
October 10, 2007
Revisions and Clarification to the Lead and Copper Rule
AWWA memo
Statement
Talking Points
_______________________
Safe Drinking Water - General Update, EQB Proposed Regulation #7-412 (#2633)
The General Update regulation package has been published in the PA Bulletin as of 9/1/2007.
Chapter 109 Safe Drinking Water -- General Update
The Environmental Quality Board (Board) proposes to amend Chapter 109
(relating to safe drinking water). The proposed rulemaking includes
major amendments to the regulation of inorganic chemicals (IOCs),
synthetic organic chemicals (SOCs) and volatile synthetic organic
chemicals (VOCs); minor amendments to the Filter Backwash Recycling Rule
(FBRR), Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) and Radionuclide (RAD) Rule
requirements; and other minor amendments to Chapter 109 to retain
primary enforcement authority (primacy) and to clarify existing
requirements.
The proposed rulemaking revises and updates the existing requirements and standards in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109. It is available on the web at the following links:
www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol37/37-35/37_35_prm.pdf (pages 9-27)
www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol37/37-35/1613.html
Please review the proposed regulation. The EQB is inviting the public to submit written comments on this proposal. Written comments may express support for the proposed regulation, or may set forth objections, questions, suggestions or concerns. Written comments may be sent to the following addresses:
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). Email address: RegComments@state.pa.us
Please reference Regulation ID #7-412 (#2633) on your correspondence. The deadline for submitting comments to the EQB is October 1, 2007.
The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) is also interested in your comments on the proposed regulation. Please “cc” IRRC and send courtesy copies of your correspondence to us at one of the following addresses or fax number:
Arthur Coccodrilli, Chairman
Independent Regulatory Review Commission
333 Market Street, 14th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101Main Telephone: (717) 783-5417
Fax: (717) 783-2664
Email: irrc@irrc.state.pa.us
Commentators may also want to send comments to the House and Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committees since these two Committees are also reviewing the regulation. Contact information for the Committees and individual legislators can be obtained at www.legis.state.pa.us.
Please remember that any comments submitted to the EQB and IRRC are considered public documents and will become part of the IRRC public file.
I hope this information is helpful. Please share this message with your colleagues, and other persons and organizations that may be interested in this subject area. If you have any questions about the regulatory review process, please contact Mike Stephens at (717) 7878491 or me by email or the phone number listed below. In addition, you may find our website helpful. It is www.irrc.state.pa.us.
John H. Jewett, Telephone: (717) 783-5475
Regulatory Analyst
Independent Regulatory Review Commission
333 Market Street, 14th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Main Telephone: (717) 783-5417
Fax: (717) 783-2664
Email: irrc@irrc.state.pa.us
_____________________
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
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/
_____________________
