Radon, Groundwater Top EPAs Agenda
At the dawn of the new millennium another thousand years of history stretches before us, waiting to be written. And like any other, this journey into the future begins with the first step ? Or in this case the first year.
Although I wrote this article before Christmas, I assume most of you survived the dreaded Y2K bug and the world has not come to a disastrous end. If thats the case, then the Environmental Protection Agency continues to work on implementation of provisions required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and other regulations. The agency has several things on its calendar for this year.
Perhaps two of the most significant actions are the release of proposed new rules for groundwater water systems, scheduled for January, and promulgation of the new radon rule, planned for August. EPA also should release its proposed arsenic rule this spring.
EPA has been working with stakeholders for some time to develop the new groundwater rule, designed to control microbial contamination in groundwater-based drinking water supplies. A range of requirements is being considered, including source water monitoring, criteria to identify vulnerable source waters, sanitary surveys, distribution system operational measures, and adequate correction of defects (including disinfection) as necessary.
The proposed new standard for radon was released in October. If approved as written it would allow states to focus their efforts on the greatest public health risks from radon - those in indoor air - while also reducing the risks from radon in drinking water. In states that develop enhanced programs to address radon in indoor air, utilities would have to meet a drinking water standard of 4,000 picoCuries per liter of water. In states that dont develop such programs, the standard would be lowered to 300 pCi/L.
EPA has a deadline of January 2001 to promulgate a final rule on drinking water standards for arsenic. In addition, the SDWA requires that EPA develop a comprehensive research plan to determine health risks associated with exposure to low levels of arsenic. The current standard for arsenic is 50 ppb. EPA is expected to propose a new standard of 5 ppb, but will take comments on 3 ppb and 10 ppb options. The American Water Works Association strongly supports the 10 ppb option.
Of lesser note, this month EPA is expected to publish a rule on reformatting drinking water regulations. The goal of the rule is to make the regulations easier to understand and follow. This rule is not intended to change any of the regulatory requirements. Effluent limitation guidelines and standards are also in the works for transportation equipment cleaning (final rule set for June) and for the metal products and machinery users (revised proposal planned for October).
Work also continues on Stage 2 of the microbial/disinfection rules, the Round 2 sewage sludge rule, sanitary sewer overflows and filter backwash standards.
It should be an interesting and busy year!