<pubnumber>908K10003</pubnumber>
<title>Everything You Wanted to Know About Environmental Regulations-- But Were Afraid to Ask : A Guide for Small Communities</title>
<pages>101</pages>
<pubyear>1999</pubyear>
<provider>NEPIS</provider>
<access>online</access>
<origin>hardcopy</origin>
<author></author>
<publisher></publisher>
<subject></subject>
<abstract></abstract>
<operator>LM</operator>
<scandate>20150528</scandate>
<type>single page tiff</type>
<keyword></keyword>
Everything You Wanted
to Know About
Environmental
Regulations... "
/
But Were Afraid to Ask!
A Guide for Small Communities
1999 Revised Edition
image:
This handbook was developed by the Region 8 Small Community Work Group. The
agencies and organizations represented on the work group include:
American Water Works Association
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
City of Fort Lupton, Colorado
Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service
Midwest Assistance Program
National Environmental Training Center for Small Communities
North Dakota Department of Health
Rural Community Assistance Corporation
South Dakota Department of Environment & Natural Resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
US. EPA Region 8
US. EPA Headquarters, Washington DC
Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Wyoming Casper College Environmental Training Center
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Preface
This handbook was prepared with small units of local government (communities) in
mind. For purposes of this handbook, a small community is defined as a unit of local
government with a population of 5,000 or less. The handbook was prepared for use by
officials of such communities as a quick reference to information on addressing the
environmental issues facing their constituencies. If your community is larger than
5,000 people, you will need, at a minimum, to comply with the environmental regula-
tory requirements outlined in this guide. It is likely that your larger community will
need to meet additional requirements; information on these requirements can be ob-
tained from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or your state regulatory agency.
Information presented in this handbook is meant only as a summary of basic environ-
mental requirements and/or EPA guidance. It is not intended to serve as a definitive
statement of the specific ways in which a community can ensure environmental com-
pliance, but rather, it is a quick guide to the environmental regulatory programs that
typically apply to most small communities.
The requirements and guidance presented in this handbook are based on federal regu-
lations and/or guidance documents in place in early 1999. These requirements are imple-
mented by a federal agency, generally the EPA. It should be expected that some of these
requirements/guidance documents will change in the future. In addition, states and
Indian tribes are required to adopt rules at least as stringent as the federal rules if they
assume the responsibility for implementation. States and tribes can adopt rules that
are somewhat different and possibly more stringent in some cases; e.g., frequency of
sampling or required dates of implementation. Be sure to ask for and read the rules
from the appropriate state or tribal agency in your area.
This document was initially prepared in late 1990 by the Midwest Assistance Program,
Inc. under contract to EPA Region 8. It was expanded by EPA Region 8 in early 1991 to
include the EPA non-regulatory programs that typically apply to small local units of
government. The handbook was updated in April 1993 and in January 1999 under the
direction of the Region 8 Small Community Coordinator.
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Table of Contents
AIR PROGRAMS
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 4
LAND PROGRAMS
RCRA - Hazardous Waste 5
Subtitle D Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Criteria 9
Underground Storage Tanks 11
Superfund 13
WATER PROGRAMS
Water & Wetlands Protection 15
Non-Point Source Pollution (NFS) 18
Drinking Water 19
Injection Wells 44
Wellhead Protection 46
Source Water Assessment and Protection 48
Wastewater
Discharge Permits Under the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) 51
Secondary Treatment of Municipal Wastewater 53
Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Use and Disposal 54
Pretreatment Requirements 57
Storm Water 59
State Revolving Fund Program 61
OTHER PROGRAMS
Pollution Prevention 62
Public-Private Partnerships 64
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) 67
Asbestos , 70
Indoor Environments 74
Pesticides , 78
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) 80
Community-Based Environmental Protection 82
Environmental Justice , , 83
Tribal Assistance 85
GLOSSARY OF TERMS 86
RESOURCES 90
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AIR PROGRAMS
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
Do the Clean Air Act Amendments apply to my community?
Most provisions do not affect small communities, with a few exceptions. For example,
communities located in areas where National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
are not being met may be required to take corrective actions (e.g., requiring oxygenated
fuels in carbon monoxide non-attainment areas or placing restrictions on woodburning
in areas that are non-attainment for particulates).
Actions your community should be taking
Prior to initiating significant involvement to address air pollution issues that may
arise, small communities should contact their State Air Pollution Agency and the Re-
gional EPA Air Program for guidance.
Some states have taken the initiative in working with small communities early on
when air quality concerns are identified. Often, the community and state can resolve
an issue before the EPA needs to get involved. For example, a simple change in street
sanding practices may be all that is needed in a small community to control particu-
late emissions that violate clean air standards.
Additional Information
» Clean Air Act Amendments: Title VIII - Miscellaneous Provisions, Sec. 810.
Impact on Small Communities
» Region 8 Small Community Air Contact (303) 312-6004
* EPA Air Program website at http:/www.epa.goy/oar/oaqps
See the listing for State Air contacts in the resource section
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LAND PROGRAMS
RCRA - Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is found throughout all levels of commerce and industry. Wastes are
identified as hazardous if they pose a potential danger to human health and/or the
environment when not properly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise
managed. Potential dangers include explosions, fires, corrosive destruction of materi-
als, chemical reactions, and/or health impairing exposure to toxic chemicals. The greater
the quantity or concentration of chemicals exhibiting any of these dangers, the greater
the need to assure their proper management.
In 1976, Congress enacted the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as the
primary regulatory vehicle to assure that hazardous waste is properly managed, from
the point of its generation to its ultimate disposal or destruction, i.e., "from cradle to
grave." RCRA establishes a very complex and comprehensive set of requirements to
define the materials that are subject to hazardous waste regulation.
The Act also describes the responsibilities of anyone who generates, transports, stores,
treats, disposes of or otherwise manages hazardous waste. At this time, individual
household wastes, many that may exhibit some of the dangers described above, are not
subject to federal RCRA requirements.
Many states are authorized to implement the hazardous waste program. In coopera-
tion with your local county health officials, they sometimes conduct household haz-
ardous waste collection days. You should contact your state or county representatives
to find out when the next household hazardous waste pickup will be.
In 1984, Congress enacted the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendment (HSWA) to
RCRA. These rules broadened EPA's authority to address past disposal of solid wastes at
active and inactive disposal facilities.
Currently, there are three categories of hazardous waste generators under the RCRA
program requirements:
» Large Quantity Generator (LQG) - Facilities that generate more than 1,000
kilograms per month of any hazardous waste or more than one kilogram of
an "acute" hazardous waste. A kilogram is approximately 2.2 pounds, and
1,000 kilograms is approximately five, 55-gallon drums of material. Acute
hazardous waste is waste that poses additional threats to human health
and the environment.
• Small Quantity Generator (SQG) - Facilities that generate less than 1,000
kilograms per month of hazardous waste but more than 100 kilograms per
month (approximately one half of a 55-gallon drum). Small quantity gen-
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LAND PROGRAMS
RCRA - Hazardous Waste
erators are given additional time to comply with new regulations and for
on-site storage of their waste.
* Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) - Facilities that
generate less than 100 kilograms a month of any hazardous waste are con-
ditionally exempt from the RCRA regulations. These facilities may gener-
ally dispose of their waste in accordance with state "solid waste" require-
ments such as those described under the Subtitle D program (Municipal
Solid Waste Landfill Criteria).
Does the RCRA Program apply to my community?
It is very likely that some types of hazardous wastes subject to RCRA regulations are
generated by businesses in your community or by your municipal facility operations
themselves. For example, hazardous wastes may be generated by vehicle repair shops,
auto body repair shops and dry cleaning facilities. Wastes may include solvents, corro-
sives and materials containing metals (e.g., chromium, cadmium and lead). Any dis-
carded material must be evaluated to determine if it has been listed by EPA as hazard-
ous waste or if the waste exhibits any of the following characteristics: ignitability,
corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity as determined by the Toxic Characteristic Leaching
Procedure (TCLP) test.
In addition to used materials that might be considered hazardous waste, you also must
be careful with your disposal of products that no longer are wanted or needed. For
example, leftover pesticides from groundskeeping operations, old paint thinner, etc.,
must be fully evaluated before you determine how you are going to do dispose of it.
EPA has identified several hundred chemical products, which if disposed of improp-
erly, also would be considered "listed hazardous waste."
Another area of possible concern for your community is the operation of trash collec-
tion systems and/or landfills. Because household wastes are currently exempt from
RCRA regulation, municipal landfills are regulated under a program referred to as
"Subtitle D Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Criteria." These regulations are intended to
ensure proper management of municipal landfills. However, the addition of commer-
cial waste materials collected and/or disposed of with the household materials might
trigger RCRA jurisdiction over the entire facility.
Used lubricating oil is another area of concern, since improper disposal poses a threat
to the environment. While EPA does not list used oil as a hazardous waste, it has
published specific management procedures to ensure proper disposal. Contact the RCRA
Hotline or your regional or state office for further information.
Timetable
RCRA regulations were first published in 1980 and are constantly being amended to
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LAND PROGRAMS
RCRA - Hazardous Waste
add new wastes that are subject to the program. Once you determine that you are a
handler of hazardous waste (e.g., you generate, store, or transport it), you must notify
EPA and/or the State Hazardous ^X^ste Office of your activity and receive an EPA
RCRA identification number.
Different timetables and responsibilities apply to different activities. Hazardous waste
generators may accumulate waste on-site for up to 90 days without triggering a require-
ment to obtain a storage permit. Small quantity generators have up to 180 days or may
accumulate, one time only, up to 6,000 kg on-site.
Securing a permit to authorize the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste is
a very expensive and lengthy process.
Actions your community should be taking
* Become familiar with the kinds of waste materials that are subject to RCRA
regulation.
» Identify ways to reduce or recycle chemicals that are generating waste.
# Find non-toxic substitute products for hazardous chemicals.
* Buy the right amounts of chemicals that you need, not more. Try to find
someone to use unwanted, unused chemicals rather than throwing them
away.
» Become familiar with industrial facilities located in your community. Un-
derstand how they are managing their dangerous and hazardous waste.
Additional Information
* RCRA regulations are published at 40 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)
Part 260 through Part 272. Part 261 defines what materials are hazardous
waste and, therefore, subject to RCRA requirements.
« EPA is reinventing its approach to environmental protection rather than
focusing only on "end of pipe" regulatory controls. Much emphasis is now
placed on pollution prevention/waste minimization in the hazardous waste
program. Contact the Region 8 EPA Waste Minimization Office at (303)
312-6403 if you have innovative ideas for stopping or minimizing the gen-
eration of hazardous waste and/or pollution prevention as it relates to haz-
ardous waste, or if you wish to know more about what the Region is doing
in these areas.
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LAND PROGRAMS
RCRA - Hazardous Waste
« Many states have been approved by EPA to apply and enforce the federal
RCRA hazardous waste requirements. \bu may wish to contact your state
environmental agency to get more information on how your state offices
are involved.
« EPA also has established a toll-free RCRA Hotline to answer questions
regarding the applicability or interpretation of the RCRA regulations. The
RCRA Hotline number is (800) 424-9346.
See the listing for State Hazardous Vt&ste contacts in the resource section
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LAND PROGRAMS
Subtitle D Municipal Solid Waste
Landfill Criteria
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is non-hazardous waste generated at residences, com-
mercial establishments, and institutions.
The Subtitle D Municipal Solid Waste Landfill regulations were published October 9,
1991, and became effective on October 9, 1993. The regulations cover six aspects of
landfills: location, operation, design, groundwater monitoring and corrective action,
closure and post-closure care, and financial assurance.
Does the regulation apply to my community?
The regulation applies only if your community owns or operates a landfill. Landfills
that were closed before October 9,1991, do not have to comply with any of the require-
ments of the new regulation. Landfills that stopped receiving solid waste before Octo-
ber 9, 1993, will have to comply only with the final cover requirements. Landfills that
were operating on October 9, 1993, must comply with all of the requirements of the
new federal regulations. (Landfill owners and operators need to remember that state
rules still apply regardless of the changes in the federal regulations)
If your landfill is small, receiving no more than an average of 20 tons of solid waste per
day on an annual basis, it may be exempt from the design, groundwater monitoring
and corrective action criteria of Subtitle D, if it meets certain other requirements. These
include the following:
* There is no evidence of groundwater contamination.
* The landfill is located in an area that receives less than 25 inches of precipi-
tation annually.
* The community has no other practicable solid waste disposal alternative.
Communities should contact their state regulatory officials to determine their eligibil-
ity for this exemption. States with solid waste permitting programs approved by EPA
may be more flexible in implementing the new regulations. All six states in Region 8
have received solid waste program approval.
Timetable
For the majority of landfills the new solid waste regulations became effective on
October 9, 1993. The regulations for Municipal Solid Waste landfill units meeting
the small landfill exemption were effective on October 9, 1997.
Actions your community should be taking
« Learn what impact Subtitle D Solid Waste Regulations have on your land-
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10 LAND PROGRAMS
Subtitle D Municpal Solid Waste
fill and community.
* Consider joining with other nearby communities to jointly run and share
costs of a "regional landfill."
* Plan and prepare a community solid waste management program that in-
cludes recycling, composting, waste reduction and other disposal options
in addition to landfills.
Additional Information
« RCRA Subtitle D Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste Facilities, 40 CFR
Parts 257 and 258
* RCRA Solid Waste Hotline (800) 424 -9346
» Technical guidance is available from the EPA Region 8 Solid Waste Office
at(303) 312-7008
* EPA Region 8 Solid Waste website at http:/www.epa.govyregionQ8/waste/'
waste.html
See the listing for the State Solid V&ste and Recycling
contacts in the resource section
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LAND PROGRAMS
Underground Storage Tanks
What is an Underground Storage Tank?
An Underground Storage Tank (UST) is any tank, including underground piping con-
nected to the tank, that has at least 10 percent of its volume underground.
Does the UST regulation apply to my community?
Yes, if a UST is storing either petroleum or certain hazardous chemicals and it fits the
UST definitions. Most communities have USTs covered by these regulations.
Does the UST regulation apply to all underground storage tanks?
No, some exclusions are:
* Farm or residential tanks holding 1,100 gallons or less of motor fuel used
for noncommercial purposes;
Tanks storing heating oil which is used on-site;
Emergency spill or overfill containment UST systems;
Septic tanks and systems for collecting storm or wastewater;
Wastewater treatment tanks regulated under the Clean Water Act;
Tanks with a capacity of 110 gallons or less;
« Storage tanks on or above the floor of an underground area, such as a
basement, tunnel or vault;
» Field-constructed tanks.
If the UST regulation does apply, what must the owner do?
» Equip the UST with devices that prevent spill and overfills by December
1998.
* Protect the tank and piping from corrosion or structural failure by upgrad-
ing it by December 1998.
• Equip the tank and piping with leak detection devices.
* Verify that the stored contents are compatible with the tank's interior walls.
» Be financially responsible for the cost of cleaning up a leak or compensat-
ing other people for bodily injury and property damage caused by a leak-
ing UST.
I own tanks to which regulations apply, but I'm not using them; what should I
do?
Tanks not used for three to 12 months can be temporarily closed. For permanent clo-
sure (longer than 12 months), tanks must be emptied, cleaned, and possibly removed.
Whether the closure is temporary or permanent, you must follow state closure require-
ments. Your state agency will help you determine how best to close your USTs so that
you meet all local and state requirements.
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12
UNO PROGRAMS
Underground Storage Tanks
If a leak or spill should occur, what should I do?
» Contact the local fire department to ensure that the leak does not pose a
hazard to human health and safety.
« Notify the appropriate state agency within 24 hours; that regulatory au-
thority will decide if you must take further action.
» Assume financial responsibility for taking corrective measures and com-
pensating individuals who are harmed by leaks or spills from USTs that
store petroleum products.
« If closure is necessary, you must notify the state agency as soon as possible
before you close your UST.
What are the general reporting requirements for USTs?
Check with your state agency about the particular reporting requirements in your area.
If you are located within an Indian Reservation boundary, check with the Federal EPA
office for reporting requirements. You may need only to report to the state/Federal
agency at the beginning and end of the UST's operating life. However, if your UST
leaks or has a spill of over 25 gallons, it must be reported within 24 hours of occurrence.
Additional Information
» "Musts for USTs: A Summary of the New Regulation for Underground
Storage Tank Systems," US, EPA, Office of Underground Storage Tanks
* RCRA/Superfund Hotline (800) 424-9346
* EPA Office of Underground Storage Tanks website at http:/www.epa.gov/
OUST
» Local Fire Marshall
» States may have different requirements for Underground Storage Tanks.
Contact your State UST Office to obtain specific state information.
Stt the listing for State UST contacts in the resource section
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LAND PROGRAMS
Superfund
As the 1970s came to a close, a series of stories gave Americans a look at the dangers of
dumping industrial and urban wastes on the land. First, there was New "fork's Love
Canal. Hazardous waste buried there for 25 years contaminated streams and soil and
endangered the health of nearby residents who had to be evacuated.
It became increasingly clear that there were large numbers of serious hazardous waste
problems throughout the US. that were falling through the cracks of existing environ-
mental laws. The magnitude of these emerging problems moved Congress to enact the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
in 1980. CERCLA, commonly known as Superfund, was established to deal with the
dangers posed by the nation's abandoned or uncontrolled waste sites.
Since the Superfund program began, hazardous waste has surfaced as a major environ-
mental concern in every part the United States. It wasn't just the land that was con-
taminated by past disposal practices, but chemicals in the soil were spreading into the
groundwater and into streams, lakes and wetlands. Toxic vapors contaminated the air
at some sites, while improperly disposed or stored wastes threatened the health of the
surrounding community and the environment.
Few realized the size of the problem until the EPA began the process of site discovery
and evaluation. Congress directed EPA to establish a list of sites to target and to set
priorities for cleanup based on the severity of the hazardous waste problems found.
Out of this process came the "final" National Priority List (NPL), which currently lists
1,194 of the most complex and compelling cases in the entire inventory of potential
hazardous waste sites. There are another 56 sites currently being proposed for the NPL.
The Superfund program responds immediately to problems posing imminent threats
to human health and the environment. Including both NPL sites as well as those not
on the NPL, the program aims to prevent, stabilize or temper the effects of a release of
hazardous substances, or the threat of one, into the environment. Such releases might
occur at tire disposal site fires or transportation accidents involving a spill of hazard-
ous chemicals.
Superfund has completed actions to reduce immediate threats at over 1,760 NPL and
non-NPL sites. Further remediation activities have been completed at 514 of the NPL
sites, with 174 of them now deleted from the final NPL.
Superfund activities also depend upon citizen participation. While EPA's job is to ana-
lyze the hazards and deploy experts to help solve problems, the Agency needs citizen
input. Because people in the community where a site is located will be those most
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14
LAND PROGRAMS
Superfund
directly affected by the wastes and cleanup processes, EPA encourages citizens to get
involved in cleanup decisions.
Additional Information
. EPA Region 8 Superfund Program (303) 312-6766
* National EPA Superfund website at http:/www.epa.gov/superfund/
index.htm
* Superfund/RCRA Hotline (800) 424-9346
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WATER PROGRAMS
& ^Cfetlands Protection
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, later amended and renamed the
Clean Stater Act (CWA), mandated a variety of protection programs for "waters of
the United States." U.S. waters include lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands and coastal
waters. The CW\, along with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, also
mandated that each Federal agency assesses the environmental impact of any pro-
posed Federal action on U.S. waters.
Protection of U.S. waters involves several Federal agencies, primarily the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service. In addition, many
state agencies, such as state departments of environmental quality, health, conser-
vation, transportation, and agriculture, have responsibilities for U.S. waters within
their boundaries.
The primary objectives of the Clean Water Act, other related legislation and subse-
quent regulations, include restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical and
biological integrity of all U.S. waters,
Designated Use Waters
The EPA Water Quality Standards (WQS) program, a part of the Clean Water Act,
Section 303, requires state agencies to designate uses for all waters of the state, and
to adopt and implement criteria for protecting each of those uses or areas. Desig-
nated uses for water bodies may include:
Aquatic life - protection of fish and other aquatic organisms;
Recreation - swimming, wading, boating and incidental contact;
Drinking water - protection for downstream public water supply intakes;
Miscellaneous - industrial or agricultural uses, tribal religious use, etc.
In addition, a WQS program must provide for protection of all downstream uses;
state provisions must include an anti-degradation policy to protect water quality
that is already better than state standards.
WQS differ from some other regulations in that they usually are not "self-imple-
menting." For example, in order to prevent point source discharges from violating
standards, specific limitations are included in discharge permits, and these permit
limitations become the "enforceable" provisions. Finally, state agencies are required
to review state WQS at least once every three years, to include a public review
process, and to submit the WQS to EPA for review and approval.
State agencies that oversee water quality (e.g., departments of environmental qual-
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16
WATER PROGRAMS
Water & Wetlands
ity, health departments, etc.) have responsibility for implementing all aspects of WQS
programs, including designating uses, establishing protection criteria, and developing
anti-degradation policies and implementation strategies.
Wetlands
U.S. waters also include wetlands, generally defined as saturated or flooded areas where
there is a prevalence of aquatic hydrophytic vegetation, such as swamps, marshes, and
bogs. All states include wetlands (or are currently in the process of including them) in
their definition of "waters of the state."
Wetlands in our country are being lost at an alarming rate; less than half of our original
wetlands remain today. Some of the major causes of wetlands loss include, but are not
limited to, agriculture drainage, urban development, trash deposition, chemical con-
tamination and other types of pollution. Wetlands have many functions and values
that make them dynamic, and they serve many purposes, including the following:
» Helping maintain and improve water quality;
* Storing water during floods and reducing erosion;
* Providing sources of groundwater and surface water for domestic and agri-
culture needs;
* Serving as important wildlife habitats, since many species are dependent
on them for survival.
These biologically diverse areas are also recognized for their scientific, educational and
aesthetic opportunities.
Protection of wetlands means controlling activities that adversely affect or may poten-
tially adversely affect a wetlands area. Such activities often require a permit from the
Army Corps of Engineers (issued under Section 404 of the CWA). This permit is subject
to review by other Federal agencies (including EPA) and certification by the state.
Violation of WQS regulations and related environmental protection laws can involve
stiff penalties, including fines, requirements to restore the area, and/or imprisonment.
The four Federal agencies most frequently involved in wetlands protection are:
» U.S. Department of Defense: Army Corps of Engineers
* U.S. Department of Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service
« U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
* Natural Resource Conservation Service
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WATER PROGRAMS
Water & Wetlands
17
Additional Information
* The Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C 1251-1376)
* The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321)
* Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934, amended 1946,1958, 1977 (16
U.S.C. 661-667e)
» River and Harbor Act of 1899, Section 10 Hazardous Waste
« Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 as amended (33
U.S.C. 1431)
» The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451)
* The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531)
* US. Army Corps of Engineer Regulations (33 CFR Parts 320-330)
» U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (40 CFR Part 230, also known as the
404(bXl) guidelines)
, Executive Order 11990, May 25, 1977, pages 26961-26965
* The Wetlands Protection Hotline operates Monday through Friday, exclud-
ing holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EST). The Hotline number is
(800) 832-7828.
« EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds website at http:/
www.epa.gov/watrhome/facts/contents.html
» EPA Region 8 Wetlands Program website at http:/www.epa.goy/rggion8/
cross/eco 7wetlands.html
See the listing for Staff Wetlands contacts in the resource section
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WATER PROGRAMS
Non-Point Source Pollution (NFS)
Despite progress in improving water quality impacts from industrial and municipal
dischargers (point sources), the U.S. still faces significant water quality challenges. Our
major remaining water pollution problems are caused by less obvious and more wide-
spread sources of pollution (non-point sources) that affect both surface water and ground-
water.
Unlike other programs described in this book, Non-Point Source programs (NFS) may
or may not be regulatory, depending on a given state's regulations. Thus, these relatively
uncontrolled sources of pollution may contribute more to water quality degradation
than point sources. Leading non-point sources of pollution include agriculture, animal
grazing, forestry practices, construction and urban runoff, mining, and hydrologic
modification.
Section 319 was added to the Clean Water Act in 1987 and established the national
Non-Point Source program. Congress has provided funding under Section 319 to states
and tribes for the control of non-point source pollution since 1989. The Non-Point
Source program is locally focused and state administered.
The NPS program is being implemented on a watershed-by-watershed basis, insofar as
possible. This geographic targeting of watersheds focuses on ecological units - river
basins, estuaries, or the critical habitat of a species or group of species - instead of on
political boundaries such as federal regions, states, tribal lands, counties, and/or mu-
nicipalities.
A watershed approach relies on the collaborative efforts of many to restore and sustain
the health of watersheds in the nation. This approach shifts the emphasis from par-
ticular pollutants or pollution sources to a process that begins with the questions:
"What do we want this watershed to look like? What is affecting the watershed? Can
the resources and activities be managed differently to achieve our goals?"
See the listing for State N&n-fbint Source contacts in the resource section
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WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking
The purpose of the Safe Water Drinking Act (SDWA) is to protect public health through
the medium of drinking water. The 1986 amendments to the SDWA significantly in-
creased the number of contaminants to be monitored for by Public Water Systems or
PWS (see the tables that follow). Many states produce a schedule each year tailored to
each PWS that describes when to monitor for each of the contaminants. PWSs should
transfer this schedule to a calendar at the plant and collect the samples as early as
possible in the week, month, quarter or year in order to stay in compliance with
existing regulations.
The 1996 amendments to the SDWA revised and streamlined some of the existing
regulations and created new, more challenging ones for small systems. These regula-
tions will begin to have an impact on small systems beginning in 1999, and continue for
the next ten years. Operators of small systems can expect to see new requirements that
address:
arsenic other inorganics
capacity development pesticides & more volatile organic chemicals
consumer confidence reports permanent monitoring relief for some chemicals
cross connection control public notice provisions
disinfection byproducts radionuclides and radon
enhanced surface water treatment sanitary surveys
groundwater disinfection sulfate
operator certification watersheds
One of the most important additions to the SDWA is the creation of the State Revolv-
ing Fund (SRF). The SRF is a low-interest loan and grant program for water system
improvements. PWSs interested in SRF funds should contact their State Drinking Water
Program.
The best way to keep up-to-date on future regulations is to contact your State Drinking
Water Program and acquire a list of training programs available throughout the year
and attend those training sessions. Drinking water directly affects public health in
your community and the PWS has the ultimate responsibility and liability for its
safety.
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20
WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program
The 19% Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) authorized EPA to
award grants to states for capitalization of Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
(DWSRF). These are intended to be a source of financial assistance to public water
systems in achieving compliance with Drinking Water Regulations and protecting public
health. States must provide state matching funds equal to at least 20% of the grant.
There are two elements of a DWSRF. First is a loan fund enabling a state to make
below-market loans to public water systems for the construction of projects. (A PWS
can be publicly or privately-owned but some states have statutory or constitutional
restrictions limiting funding for privately-owned systems) States must adopt a priority
system ranking projects based on considerations of public health, compliance and
affordability (systems most in need) and are required to fund to the maximum extent
practical in priority order.
At least 15% of the amount credited to each loan fund each year must be reserved for
loans to small systems. A priority list of eligible projects is to be published and up-
dated only after giving notice and an opportunity for public comment. Loans can be
made only to systems that demonstrate they have adequate technical, financial and
managerial (TFM) capacity to comply with drinking water regulations or agree to
obtain such capacity. Up to 30% of the loan fund may be reserved for loan subsidies,
including forgiveness of principal to disadvantaged communities (communities with
financial shortfalls as defined by the state).
The second element of a DWSRF is the ability to set aside money for administration of
the fund (4%), state program assistance (10%, requires an additional 1:1 state match),
small systems technical assistance (2%), and local assistance (15%). These set-asides are
intended to assist PWSs in meeting regulatory requirements through direct assistance,
loans, and/or state grants funding capacity development, source water assessment, source
water protection, and operator certification.
Subject to minimal federal requirements, each state develops, implements and admin-
isters its unique DWSRF program. The loan fund is intended to operate in perpetuity.
To be eligible for a loan, projects must be on the state's priority list. After providing for
public review and comment, states prepare an annual Intended Use Plan (IUP) identi-
fying the intended uses of the amounts available to the DWSRF. States have discretion
to determine how much money, if any, is to be allocated to any particular set-aside.
Also, states have the flexibility to transfer funds between the Clean Water State Re-
volving Fund (CWSRF) and the DWSRF. Each state drafts a biennial report to facili-
tate federal oversight.
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21
Additional Information
• EPA Region 8 DWSRF Coordinator (303) 312-6347
• Initial Guidance for Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, February 1997
See the listing for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
contacts in the resource section
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22
WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
Capacity Development
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDUA), as amended in 1996, brings significant improve-
ments to the national drinking water program. Capacity development is an important
component of the SDWA's focus on preventing problems in drinking water. It refers to
the process of planning for, acquiring and maintaining adequate technical, managerial
and financial (TMF) capabilities necessary to enable public water systems to provide
safe drinking water on a consistent basis.
What is technical, managerial and financial (TMF) capacity?
Technical capacity is the physical and operational capability of a water system to meet
SD^XA requirements; it refers to the physical infrastructure of the water system, which
encompasses source water and the treatment, storage and distribution infrastructure.
Technical capacity also refers to the ability of system personnel to operate and main-
tain the system properly.
Managerial capacity is the ability of a water system's managers to conduct its affairs in
a manner that will enable the system to achieve and maintain compliance with SDWA
requirements.
Financial capacity is a water system's ability to acquire and manage sufficient financial
resources to allow the system to achieve and maintain compliance with SDWA require-
ments.
These three aspects of water system operations are interrelated. A deficiency in any one
area could disrupt the entire effort to deliver safe drinking water.
What does the SDWA call for?
First, states are encouraged to develop programs to ensure that all new community
water systems and new non-transient non-community water systems demonstrate the
technical, managerial, and financial capacity to comply with all national primary
drinking water regulations in effect upon initiation of operations. Second, states are
encouraged to develop and implement strategies to assist all existing public water
systems in acquiring and maintaining TMF capacity. [If a state fails to take either of
these first two steps towards building capacity, a portion of the funds made available
for the State Revolving Fund will be withheld.] And third, states may provide assis-
tance through the State Revolving Fund only to systems that have adequate technical,
managerial and financial capacity, or have agreed to undertake the steps needed to gain
and maintain TMF capacity.
TMF Assistance Available
The SDWA provides states the opportunity to use federal funds to assist communities
in their capacity building efforts. At the states' option, they may set aside up to ten
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WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
23
percent of the funds available from their State Revolving Fund to support the states'
capacity development program and another ten percent to provide assistance, includ-
ing financial, to public water systems to help with their capacity development efforts.
Still other set-asides may be used for technical assistance and source water protection
measures. Furthermore, low or interest-free financing may be made available from
your State Revolving Fund to fund infrastructure improvements for community water
systems and non-profit non-community water systems.
See the Listing for State Capacity Development contacts in the resource section
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24
WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
Consumer Confidence Rule
Beginning in 1999, all community public water systems (defined as drinking water
systems that serve at least 25 of the same people year-round, or that have at least 15
households) must prepare annual reports summarizing the quality of their drinking
water supplies. The reports must include information on:
* What chemical and bacterial contaminants (if any) were detected in the wa-
ter system over the previous year;
* Any violations of the drinking water regulations that occurred over the previ-
ous year,
* The drinking water source;
« The potential health effects of drinking water contaminants, as well as defini-
tions of technical terms.
Public water systems must also ensure that copies of these annual reports are made
available to their customers.
Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs)
Maximum contaminant level is the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in
water delivered to any user of a public water system. Compare your monitoring results
with the MCLs listed on the following pages. If your system exceeds any MCL, then
your system may need to install the best available technology (BAT) to remove that
contaminant.
Treatment Technique Requirements
Where EPA is unable to establish an MCL, it must establish a treatment technique
requirement in lieu of an MCL. PWSs must comply with these treatment require-
ments. Currently, there are surface water filtration and corrosion control requirements
in lieu of MCLs for several microorganisms and lead and copper, respectively.
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WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
25
EPA NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING
WATER REGULATIONS (NPDWRs)
Table I
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
CONTAMINANT
Total Coliforms
Giardia Lambiia
Heterotrophic Plate Count
Legionella
Virus
Turbidity
!
MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT l£VR (MCI)
*Presence/Absence
Treatment Technique
Treatment Technique
Treatment Technique
Treatment Technique
Treatment Technique
<5.0 NTTJ at all times
<0.5 NTU in 95% of all samples
for conventional & direct filtration
<1.0 NTU in 95% of all samples for
diatomaceous earth and slow sand
filtration, and other filtration techniques ;
i
*If>40 samples/month: no more than 5% of the samples may be Total Coliform
Positive. If < 40 samples/month: no more than 1 sample may be Total Coliform
Positive.
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26
WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
Table II
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Numbers in tables refer to treatments m the folloieing list.
(Not necessarily BAT for variances & exemptions)
BEST AVAILABLE TREATMENT (BAT) TECHNOLOGIES
1. Coagulation & Filtration
2. Corrosion Control
3. Direct Filtration
4. Diatomite Filters
5. Ion Exchange
6. Lime Softening
7 Reverse Osmosis
8. Electrodialysis
9. Activated Alumina
10. Granular Activated Carbon
11. Public Education and Lead
Service Line Replacement
12. Chlorine Oxidation
CONTAMINANT
Antimony
Asbestos
Arsenic
Barium
Beryllium
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Cyanide
Fluoride
Lead
MCL
0.006 mg/i
7 million fibers/liter
longer than lOum
0.05 mg/l
2rng/l
0.004 mg/l
0.005 mg/l
0.1 mg/l
Treatment Technique
0.2 mg/l
4.0 mg/l
Treatment Technique
BEST AVAILABLE TREATMENT (BAT)
1,7
1,2,3,4
Not yet specified in regulation.
However, technologies with the
highest removal efficiencies for
Arsenic are 1,6,7,9
5,6,7,8
1,5,6,79
1,5,6,7
1,5,6,7 (BAT for Chromium III)
1,5,7 (BAT for Chromium VI)
1,5,6,7 (Source Water BAT)
2,1 1 (Distribution System BAT)
5,7,12
Technologies with the highest removal
efficiencies are 7, 9
1,5,6, 7 (Source Water BAT)
2,1 1 (Distribution System BAT)
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WATER PROGRAMS 27
Drinking Water
Fable II INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS (cont'ti)
CONTAMINANT
Mercury
Nitrate as (N)
Nitrite as (N)
Selenium
Sulfate
Thallium
Total Nitrate &
Nitrite
MCL
0.002 mg/l
10 mg/l
lmg/1
0.05 mg/l
Deferred
0.002 mg/l
10 mg/l
BEST AVAILABLE TREATMENT (BAT)
[1,6,7] (BAT only if influent Mercury !
concentration is less than 10 ppb); 10 II
5,78 ;
5,7
1,6,78,9 (BAT for Selenium IV)
6,78,9 (BAT for Selenium VI)
5,9
5,78
Table III
SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMICALS-PESTICIDES/PCBs/HERBICIDES
CONTAMINANT
Alachlor
Aldicarb
Aldicarb sulfoxide
Aldicarb sulfone
Atrazine
Carbofuran
Chlordane
2,4-D
Dalapon
MCL (mg/l)
0.002
(deferred)
(deferred)
(deferred)
0.003
0,04
0.002
0.07
0.2
BAT
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
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28 WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
Table III SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMICALS -
PESTICIDES/PCBS/HERBICIDES (cont'd)
CONTAMINANT
l,2-DfcramQ-3-
Chloropropane (DBCP)
1 Dinoseb
1 Diquat
;| Endothail
Endrin
; Ethylene dibromide (EDB)
: Glyphosate
Heptachlor
Heptachlor epoxide
Lindane
Methoxychlor
Oxamyl (Vydate)
Picloram
: Polychlorinated by-
phenyls (PCBs)
Pentachlorophenol
Simazine
Toxaphene
2,4,5-7P(Silvex)
Mtttrng/l)
0.0002
0.007
0.02
0.1
0.002
0.00005
0.7
0.0004
0.0002
0.0002
0.04
0.2
0.5
0,0005
0.001
0.004
0.003
0.05
BAT
i !
Granular Activated Carbon |
Packed Tower Aeration
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Packed Tower Aeration
Oxidation (Chlorine a Ozone)
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon ;
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon i
Granular Activated Carbon • >
j-
Granular Activated Carbon \
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
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WATER PROGRAMS 29
Drinking Water
Table IV SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMICALS-
VOLATILE ORGANIC CHEMICALS
CONTAMINANT
Benzene
: Carbon Tetrachhloride
Dichlorobenzene(p-)
Dichlorobenzene(o-)
Dichloroethane(l,2-)
Dichloroethylened,!-)
: Dichloroethylene(cis-l,2-)
1 Dichloroethylene (trans- 1,2-)
: Dichloromethane
'•'_ Dichloropropane(l,2-}
Ethylbenzene
Monochlorobenzene
Styrene
Tetrachloroethylene
Ma (mg/l)
0.005
0.005
0.075
0.6
0.005
0.007
0.07
0.1
0.005
0.005
0.7
0.1
0.1
0.005
BAT i
Granular Activated Carbon, ;
Packed Tower Aeration i
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration ;
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration :
Granular Activated Carbon, :
Packed Tower Aeration !'
Granular Activated Carbon ,
Packed Tower Aeration ;
Granular Activated Carbon, !
Packed Tower Aeration
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration i
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aerat ion |
Packed Tower Aeration
Granular Activated Carbon, :
Packed Tower Aeration
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration i:
Granular Activated Carbon, i
Packed Tower Aeration
i
i
Granular Activated Carbon, ;
Packed Tower Aerat ion ;
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration
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30 WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
Table IV SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMICALS-
VOLATILf ORGANIC CHEMICALS (cont'd)
CONTAMINANT
;• Toluene
Trichioroethane (1,1,1 -)
Trichloroethane (1,1,2-)
Trichloroethylene (ICE)
Trichlorobenzene (1,2,4 -)
Vinyi Chloride
Xylenes (Total)
Acrylamide
Benzo(a)pyrene (PAH)
Di(2-ethyinexyl)adipate
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
Epichlorohydrin
Hexach lorobenzene
Hexachlorocydopentadiene
2,3,78-TCDD(Diox!n)
Trihalomethanes
(Chloroform. Bromoform.
Bromodich loromethane,
Dibromochloromethane)
MCL(mg/i)
i
0.2
0.005
0.005
0.07
0.002
10
Treatment Tech.
0.0002
0.4
0.006
Treatment Tech.
0.001
0.05
3xl08
0.100
BAT
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration
Granular Activated Carbon ,
Packed Tower Aeration
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration
Packed Tower Aeration
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration
Polymer Addition Practices
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration
Granular Activated Carbon
Polymer Addition Practices
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular Activated Carbon,
Packed Tower Aeration
Granular Activated Carbon
Chloramines, Chlorine Dioxide,
Improved Clarification for
THM Precursor Reduction,
Moving the Point of Chlormation
to Reduce TTHM, Powdered
Activated Carbon
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WATER PROGRAMS 31
Drink ing Water
Table V - RADIONUCLIDES
:j CONTAMINANT MCL BAT*
; Gross Alpha Particle Activity 15pCi/! Reverse Osmosis
Gross Beta Particle Activity** 4mrem/yr Ion Exchange, Reverse Osmosis
r Radium-226 and 5pCi/l Ion Exchange, Lime
: Radium-228 (combined) Softening, Reverse Osmosis
* These are proposed EAT's for Radionuclides in the July 18, 1991 Federal Register.
** Gross Beta applies to small P\\"S only ifdoicnstreamfrom a man-made radioactive
contaminant (e.g nuclear power plant) and specifically required by the state.
Table VI - SECONDARY MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVELS (SMCLs)*
CONTAMINANT
'•', Aluminum
Chloride
Color
Copper
Corrosivity
Fluoride
: Foaming Agents
Iron
Manganese
: Odor
pH
Silver
Sulfate
Total Dissolved Solids (IDS)
Zinc
*Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels
LEVEL
0.05 to 0.2 mg/l
250 mg/l
15 Color Units
1.0 mg/l
Non-Corrosive
2.0 mg/l
0.5 mg/l
0.3 mg/l
0.05 mg/l
3 Threshold Odor Number
6.5-8.5
0.1 mg/i
250 mg/l
500 mg/l
5.0 mg/l
are recommended, not mandatory standards.
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32 WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
Table VII - UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS*
UNREGULATED VOCs
;; Chloroform
i Bromodichloromethane
Chlorodibromomethane
i ',
Bromoform
Chlorobenzene
m-Dichlorobenzene
1,1-Dichtorobmzene
1,1-Dichloroethane
1,1,2, 2-Tetrachloroethane
1,3-Dichloropropane
Chtoromethane
. Bromomethane
1,2,3-Trichloropropane
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane
Chloroethane
; 2,2-Dichioropropane
; o-Chlorotoluene
p-Chlorotoluene
Bromobenzene
1, 3-Dichtoropropene
UNREGULATED SOCs
Aldrin
Butachlor
Carbaryl
Dicamba
Dieldrin
3- Hydroxycarbof uran
Methomyl
Metolachior
Metribuzin
Propachlor
UNREGULATED IDCs
Sulfate !
Sodium j
:
i'
'
"Unregulated means no MCL established; however, monitoring may be required.
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WATER PROGRAMS 33
Drinking Water
Actions your community should be taking
The most important action for your community to take is to monitor for contami-
nants listed in the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs). The
NPDWRs are written at the federal level by the EPA. Failure to comply with any of the
following is a violation:
1) A maximum contaminant level
2) A treatment technique
3) The schedule within a variance or exemption
4) A monitoring requirement
5) A testing procedure
Public notice must be given any time there is a violation. In addition, if a system is
granted a variance or an exemption, it must give public notice of the fact.
Guidelines for public notification
Violations of items 1, 2, and 3 above require "Tier 1" or top priority public notice. Tier
1 is subdivided into "acute" and "non-acute" violations. Acute violations are those that
involve an immediate risk to human health. This includes violations of the MCL for
nitrate and/or nitrite, violations of the MCL for total cohforms, when fecal cohforms
or E. Coli are present, waterborne disease outbreaks in an unfiltered surface water
system, and other violations as specified by the state.
If your PWS has a Tier 1 violation, you must provide public notice as follows:
Acute violations only:
Notice must be given within 72 hours of the occurrence, through television and radio
stations serving the area; hand delivery {if no TV or radio available) or posting (if no
TV or radio available).
Acute and non-acute Tier 1 violations:
«. Notice must be given within 14 days, through a newspaper; posting (if no
newspaper available) or hand delivery (if no newspaper available);
* Notice must be given within 45 days through direct mail or hand delivery;
» Notice must be repeated every three months by direct mailing or posting
for as long as the violation exists.
Violations of (4) and (5) above are Tier 2 violations, requiring public notice as follows:
* Within three months, through a newspaper; posting (if no newspaper avail-
able) or hand delivery (if no newspaper available);
* Repeat the notification every three months by direct mailing or posting for
as long as the violation exists.
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WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
A Public Notice must contain the following:
» Clear explanation of the violation;
« Information about potential health effects;
« Information about the population at risk;
» Information about the necessity of seeking alternative water supplies;
» Preventive measures which will be taken until the violation is corrected;
* A telephone number of a contact at the PWS for additional information.
The public notice must also be "conspicuous" and not contain unduly small print, and
where appropriate, be multi-lingual.
Questions to ask the state
Are there additional state requirements for public notice? Does the state have model
language for or examples of public notices available for use by the PWS? Where should
the notices be posted?
Note: Within the next year or two, the public notification regulations will be re-
vised. For more information contact your state drinking water regulatory program.
Federal Monitoring Requirements
The monitoring requirements under the federal drinking water regulations can be com-
plex. Most of these regulations require initial monitoring (for new water systems, or for
existing systems with new water sources) at a certain frequency, and then repeat moni-
toring at a reduced frequency. If contamination is found, then the monitoring fre-
quency increases again. Both initial and reduced requirements may vary based on such
things as the population served by the water system and the source of the water (sur-
face water or groundwater) that the system utilizes. Additionally, there is some flex-
ibility with the federal regulations on how states implement their programs. Finally,
state regulations must be at least as stringent as federal regulations, so some states may
have additional requirements not mentioned in this publication. All communities
should contact their state regulatory agency to get detailed information on monitoring
requirements.
Guidelines for microbiological (coliform) monitoring
Bacteria from sewage and animal wastes have presented the most frequent and imme-
diate health risks to public water supplies over the years. The best and easiest way to
test for the presence of harmful bacteria in drinking water is to determine the presence
of coliform bacteria- Although the presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water is
not necessarily harmful by itself, it is a good indication of the presence of fecal coliform
bacteria and E. Coi: bacteria.
Fecal coliforms and E. Coli are particularly pathogenic strains of coliform bacteria.
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WATER PROGRAMS
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35
Their presence indicates that drinking water has been contaminated with sewage or
animal (including human) wastes. Such contamination presents an urgent health prob-
lem.
Sampling frequency for community PWSs is based on population. Non-community
PWS monitoring may differ according to source and population type. If your PWS
serves more than 5,000 people or is classified as a non-community PWS, contact your
state drinking water program for the number of samples required.
The following table shows monitoring requirements for community systems with
populations up to 4,900:
Totai Coliform Monitoring Frequency
Population Samples Per Month
25 to 1,000 1
1,001 to 2,500 2
2,501 to 3,300 3
3,301 to 4,100 4
4t101to4,900 5
The MCL is based on the presence or absence of total coliform. A system that takes 5
samples or less per month can have no more than one coliform positive sample before
it incurs a violation.
It a sample tests positive for total coliforms, four repeat samples must be collected
within 24 hours of notification. These repeat samples must be collected within five
service connections of the original sample. One sample must be taken at the original
location, one within five connections upstream from the original sample and one
within five connections downstream from the original sample. The fourth sample
may be taken anywhere within the system.
If total coliforms are detected in any repeat sample, the PWS is in violation of the
MCL. The state must be notified by the next business day and public notice must be
given.
If fecal coliforms or £. Coli are also detected in the same month, the PWS violates the
MCL, incurs an acute violation and may pose an urgent public health problem. For an
acute violation, contact the state the same day you receive the results. Public notice
must be given.
The month following any MCL violation the PWS must collect five routine samples.
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WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
Microbial and Disinfection Byproducts
Disinfection of drinking water is one of the major public health advances in the 20th
century. One hundred years ago, typhoid and cholera epidemics were common through-
out American cities. Disinfection was a major factor in reducing these epidemics.
However, the disinfectants themselves can react with naturally-occurring materials in
the water to form unintended byproducts which may pose health risks. Over the past
ten years, we have also learned that there are specific microbial pathogens, such as
Cryptosporidium that are highly resistant to traditional disinfection practices.
A major challenge for water suppliers is how to balance the risks from microbial
pathogens and disinfection byproducts. It is important to provide protection from
these microbial pathogens while simultaneously ensuring decreasing health risks to the
population from disinfection byproducts (DBFs).
The 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act required EPA to develop rules
to achieve these goals. The new Stage 1 Disinfectant and Disinfection Byproduct Rule
and Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule are the fjrst of a set of rules
under the Amendments and were finalized in November 1998. These new rules are a
product of six years of collaboration between the water industry, environmental and
public health groups, and local, State and federal government.
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Who Must Comply With the Rule?
The final Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule applies to commu-
nity water systems and non-transient non-community systems, including those serving
fewer than 10,000 people, that add a disinfectant to the drinking water during any part
of the treatment process.
What Does the Rule Require?
The new Rule updates and supersedes the 1979 regulations for total trihalomethanes.
In addition, it will reduce exposure to three disinfectants and many disinfection
byproducts.
The rule establishes maximum residual disinfectant level goals (MRDLGs) and maxi-
mum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) for three chemical disinfectants - chlorine,
chloramine and chlorine dioxide (see Table VIII). It also establishes maximum con-
taminant level goals (MCLGs) and maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for total
trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, chlorite and bromate (see Table VIII).
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WATER PROGRAMS 37
Drinking Water
Table Vltl - MRDLGs, MRDLs, MCLGs and MCLs for Stage 1 Disinfectants and
Disinfection Byproducts Rule
DISINFECTANT RESIDUAL
; Chiorine
Chloramine
: Chlorine Dioxide
DISINFECTANT BYPRODUCTS
Total trihalomethanes (TTHM)*
- Chloroform
- Bromodichloromethane
- Dibromochloromethane
- Bromoform
Haloacetic acids (five) (HAA5)**
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Trichloroacetic acid
Chlorite
Bromate
MRDLB
^(mg/l)
4(asCl2)
4(asCI2)
0.8(asCIOJ
iL
MRDLG 1
(mg/l)
N/A
0
0
0.06
0
N/A
0
0.3
0,8
0
MRDL
(mg/l)
4.0(asCI2)
40(asCI2)
0.8(asCI02)
MRDL
(mg/l)
0.080
0.060
1.0
0.010
COMPLIANCE
BASED ON
Annual Average :
Annual Average
Daily Samples
COMPLIANCE
BASED ON
Annual Average
Annual Average
Monthly Average :
Annual Average
N/A - Not applicable because there are individual MCLGs for TTHMs or HAAs
*Total trihalomethanes is the sum of the concentrations of chloroform, bromodicbloro-
methane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform.
**Haloacetic acids (five) is the sum of the concentrations of mono- , di- , and trichloroacetic
acids and mono- and dibronwac e tic acids.
Witer systems that use surface water or groundwater under the direct influence of
surface water and use conventional filtration treatment are required to remove speci-
fied percentages of organic materials, measured as total organic carbon (TOC), that
may react with disinfectants to form DBFs (See Table IX). Removal will be achieved
through a treatment technique (enhanced coagulation or enhanced softening) unless a
system meets alternative criteria.
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WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
Table IX -Required Removal of Total Organic Carbon by Enhanced Coagulation
and Enhanced Softening for Subpart H Systems Using Conventional
Treatment*
Source Water TOC(mg/l)
>2.0-4.0
>4,0-8.0
>8.0
Source Water Alkalinity (mg/l as CaC03)
0-60
35.0%
45.0%
50.0%
>60-120
25.0%
35.0%
40.0%
>120**
15.0%
25.0%
30.0%
*Systems meeting at least one of the alternative compliance criteria in the ride are not
required to meet the removals in this table.
**Systems practicing softening must meet the TOC removal requirements in the last
column to the right.
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Who Must Comply With the Rule?
The Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule applies to public water systems
that use surface water or ground water under the direct influence of surface water
(GWUDI) and serve at least 10,000 people. In addition, states are required to conduct
sanitary surveys for all surface water and GWUDI systems, including those that serve
fewer than 10,000 people.
What Does the Rule Require?
The new Rule amends the existing Surface Water Treatment Rule to strengthen micro-
bial protection, including provisions specifically to address Cryptosporidium, and to
address risk trade-offs with disinfection byproducts. The final rule includes treatment
requirements for waterborne pathogens, e.g., Cryptosporidium. In addition, systems
must continue to meet existing requirements for Giardia Lamblia and viruses. Specifi-
cally, the rule includes:
* Maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) of zero for Cryptosporidium
* 2-log Cryptosporidium removal requirements for systems that filter
• Strengthened combined filter effluent turbidity performance standards
Individual filter turbidity monitoring provisions
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WATER PROGRAMS 39
Drinking Water
* Disinfection profiling and benchmarking provisions
» Systems using groundwater under the direct influence of surface water
now subject to the new rules dealing with Cryptosporidium
» Inclusion of Cryptosporidium in the watershed control requirements for
unfiltered public water systems
* Requirements for covers on new finished water reservoirs
* Sanitary surveys, conducted by states, for all surface water systems regardsless
of size
Communities should contact their Regional EPA Office or state drinking water agency
to get detailed information on the DBFs requirements.
Sanitary surveys
Drinking water regulations (40 CFR Part 14) require all public water systems that do
not collect five or more routine bacteriological samples a month to undergo periodic
sanitary surveys. The regulations define a sanitary survey as "an on-site review of the
water source, facilities, equipment, and operation and maintenance" of a public water
system. Most public water systems must undergo a sanitary survey at least once every
five years. Non-community public water systems that use only protected and disin-
fected groundwater must undergo a sanitary survey not less than once every ten years.
Questions to ask the state
When is the next sanitary survey scheduled for my PWS (at least one by June 29, 1994,
and every five years thereafter)?
Guidelines for Giardia Lamblia, heterotrophic plate count, legionella, virus and
turbidity monitoring
PWSs do not have to test directly for the above contaminants because of the difficulty
in testing these parasites. Instead, a treatment technique, filtration and disinfection, is
used. Any surface water or groundwater system under the influence of surface water
must:
* Provide filtration
* Provide a finished water turbidity less than 5.0 NTU at all times
» Provide finished water turbidity less than 0.5 NTU in 95% of the samples
taken every four hours (conventional and direct filtration)
* Provide a finished water turbidity less than 1.0 NTU in 95% of the samples
taken every four hours (slow sand, diatomaceous earth and other filtration
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40 WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
technologies)
» Maintain a 0.2 mg/l of chlorine residual going into the distribution sys-
tem at all times
* Maintain a detectable chlorine residual in the distribution system at all
times
» Insure that filtration and disinfection are achieving a 99.9% inactivation of
Giardia Lamblia and 99.9% inactivation of viruses
Questions to ask the state
Is my groundwater or spring affected by surface water? How and when will it be
tested for surface water influences? If my groundwater is affected by surface water,
when must filtration be installed? Can I reduce turbidity or disinfection monitoring?
How do I ensure that filtration and disinfection are achieving a 99.9% inactivation of
Giardia Lamblia and 99.9% inactivation of viruses? Should disinfection contact time
be calculated daily? Should pH, temperature, raw and settled water turbidity be mea-
sured every day?
Guidelines for inorganic/organic chemical (IOC) monitoring
One sample from each source is required every three years for groundwater. One
sample from each source is required every year for surface water.
Questions to ask the state
How do I receive a waiver for IOC monitoring?
Guidelines for IOC monitoring: nitrate and nitrite
Water systems are required to monitor for nitrate at each entry point to the distribu-
tion system on an annual basis. It the results are greater than or equal to 50% of the
nitrate MCL (i.e., 5 mg/l), increased monitoring is required. Initial monitoring re-
quirements for new water systems (or water systems with a new source) require those
entry points that receive surface water to be monitored on a quarterly basis.
Nitrite monitoring only needs to be performed one time at every entry point to the
distribution system. If the sample results are greater than or equal to 50% of the
nitrite MCL (i.e., 0.5 mg/l), increased sampling is required. Otherwise, additional
sampling is required only if requested by the state.
Questions to ask the state
VThen do I take the nitrate sample? For surface water sources only can I reduce moni-
toring from quarterly to annually?
Guidelines for IOC monitoring: asbestos
Monitoring is required once every nine years.
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WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
41
Questions to ask the state
How do I receive a waiver for asbestos monitoring? When should I monitor for asbes-
tos?
Guidelines for lead and copper
A PWS serving fewer than 100 people must collect five first-draw tap water samples
for lead and copper analysis, 10 samples if serving between 101-500, and 20 samples if
serving between 501-3,300. Water for first-draw tap water sampling must stand motion-
less for at least six hours prior to sampling and may be collected by residents.
There are two consecutive six-month initial monitoring periods. If the 90th percentile
sample exceeds a lead action level of 0.015 mg/1 or a copper action level of 1.3 mg/1 at
any time, testing for water quality parameters and treatment techniques applies. If the
PWS does not exceed these action levels, then the PWS goes on an annual testing
schedule and reduced monitoring may be available.
The four types of actions required to remedy high lead and copper levels are: 1) corro-
sion control, 2) source water testing (and possible treatment), 3) public education pro-
grams (within 60 days of the exceedance of the action level for lead only), and 4) lead
service line replacement.
Questions to ask the state
What is needed for a sample siting plan? Are videos available on how to sample at the
tap? If my results show that lead and copper are below the action level, can I reduce
monitoring.'1
The following questions pertain to those systems that exceeded the action level:
What are water quality parameters (WQP), and when do the samples for WQP need to
be taken? Do I continue to monitor for lead even though I am over the action level?
Where do I get material for public education? How should this material be distributed
to residents? How often must I repeat these public education requirements? How do I
recommend optimal corrosion control treatment to the state? How many source water
samples do I take? How do I recommend treatment to the state if there is no lead in
the source water? Who can work with me to do a corrosion control study and install
corrosion control treatment? What happens if optimal corrosion is installed and I still
cannot meet the action levels?
Lead material ban
The lead ban went into effect in 1986 and prohibits lead material from plumbing used
for drinking water systems. Drinking water systems should continue to ensure that
leaded solder (more than 0.2°/o lead) is not being used in plumbing that distributes
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42
WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
drinking water.
Guidelines for radionuclide monitoring
All community PWSs must sample every four years.
Guidelines for volatile organic chemical (VOC) monitoring
New groundwater systems, surface water systems and systems with new sources of
water must take one year ot quarterly samples at each entry point to the distribution
system. Sampling is done annually thereafter. Groundwater systems can reduce moni-
toring after three rounds of annual monitoring with no VOCs detected to once every
three years.
Questions to ask the state
Where do I sample tor VOCs? Where should the sample be taken? Is there a monitor-
ing waiver program for VOCs, and how do I apply for a waiver? Am I allowed to
"composite" my samples with samples from other water systems in order to reduce the
cost of monitoring'1
Guidelines for synthetic organic chemical (SOC) monitoring for systems serv-
ing fewer than 3,300 people
New groundwater systems, surface water systems and systems with new sources of
water must take one year ot quarterly samples at each entry point to the distribution
system. Sampling is done once every three years thereafter,
Questions to ask the state
When do I sample for SOCs? Where should the samples be taken? Is there a monitor-
ing waiver program for SOCs, and how do I apply for a waiver? Am I allowed to
"composite" my samples with samples from other water systems in order to reduce the
cost ot monitoring?
Guidelines for unreplated contaminant (VOC, SOC, and IOC) monitoring
Monitoring must be performed once every five years, with either one sample or four
quarterly samples required. The list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored is
periodically updated, with contaminants being added or deleted.
Questions to ask the state
When do I sample for unregulated contaminants? Which contaminants must be moni-
tored? Where should the samples be taken? Is there a monitoring waiver program for
unregulated contaminants and how do I apply for a waiver? Am ! allowed to "compos-
ite" my samples with samples from other water systems in order to reduce the cost of
monitoring?
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WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water
43
General questions to ask the state
When I detect a contaminant, is a check sample required? When an MCL is exceeded,
is a check sample required? What else should be done immediately when an MCL is
exceeded? Where can I get free fact sheets on these regulations? Can I "composite" my
samples with other systems? Where do I obtain the bottles and what types of bottles
do I use for taking the samples? W'here can I get instructions on how to sample? Who
can help me take the sample? What is a certified laboratory, and why must I use a
certified laboratory to test for NPDWRs?
Additional Information
* Your State Drinking Water Agency will be able to provide information and
fact sheets,
« Region 8 Drinking Water Program (800) 227-8917
* National SDWA Hotline (800) 426-4791
* American Water Works Association (AWWA) (303) 794-7711
. AWWA Small System Operational Support (800) 366-0107
* Your State Rural Water Association and Environmental Training Center
» Rural Community Assistance Corporation (916) 447-2878
See the listing for State Drinking Water contacts in the resource section
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WATER PROGRAMS
Injection
What is an injection well? EPA defines an injection well as a well into which fluids are
injected for purposes such as waste disposal, improving the recovery of crude oil, or
solution mining. Injection into a well is defined as the subsurface emplacement of
fluids, which can be semi-solid, liquid, sludge or in a gaseous or other state.
In the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Congress created the Underground Injec-
tion Control (UIC) program in order to prevent the contamination of Underground
Sources of Drinking Water (USDW) by injection wells. A USDW is defined as an
aquifer or its portion that supplies any public water system or contains a sufficient
quantity of groundwater to supply a public water system, and contains less than 10,000
mg/1 total dissolved solids.
The UIC program divides injection wells into five main categories:
» Class I - Wells used to inject hazardous wastes or dispose of industrial and
treated municipal sewage below the deepest USDW;
* Class II - Wells used to inject fluids associated with the production of oil
and natural gas or fluids/compounds used for enhanced hydrocarbon re-
covery;
» Class III - Wells that inject fluids used in subsurface mining of minerals
such as salt and uranium;
» Class IV - Wells that dispose of hazardous or radioactive wastes into or
above a USDW (banned);
• Class V - Not included in the other classes, generally shallow wells inject-
ing nonhazardous fluid into or above a USDW Shallow wells represent the
largest number of wells and are the most common.
Does the UIC program apply to my community?
Only shallow Class IV and V wells are likely to be found within your community.
However, it is these wells that generally pose the greatest threat to public and private
drinking water wells. The types of shallow disposal systems most commonly operated
in small communities include agricultural drainage wells, domestic wastewater dis-
posal wells (e.g., septic systems and cesspools) that serve 20 or more persons per day,
and commercial disposal wells used by small businesses (e.g., auto service stations and
car washes). Individual or single family residential septic systems or cesspools are not
regulated by the UIC program.
Timetable
Although general regulations for all categories of wells presently exist, additional Fed-
eral regulations for several specific categories of Class V injection wells, including
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WATER PROGRAMS
Injection Wells
45
commercial disposal wells and cesspools, are being developed. These are due to be
finalized in 1999 and effective in 2000.
Actions your community should be taking
Methods that have proven successful in locating injection wells include telephone and
mail surveys as well as public meetings. Community efforts should target residential,
agricultural, and commercial areas/facilities not served by or connected to a munici-
pal sewer system because this is where injection wells are most likely to be found. If an
injection well is found, its potential for contaminating groundwater will depend upon:
* Where injection occurs relative to the groundwater aquifer;
* Well construction, design, and operation;
» Composition of the injected fluid;
« Volume of fluid injected.
The threat of contamination to groundwater from shallow injection wells can be re-
duced significantly by utilizing Best Management Practices (BMP) and by reviewing
new applications for septic systems to ensure appropriate use.
Best Management Practices refers to methods that have been determined to be the
most effective, practical means of preventing or reducing pollution from non-point
sources. For example, limiting the use of pesticides and fertilizers can reduce the amount
of chemicals that reach groundwater via agricultural drainage wells. Another BMP
example is that of developing public awareness programs to educate community mem-
bers on the adverse effects of disposing of household chemicals in septic systems. Such
best management practice programs can also encourage small businesses (e.g., auto
service stations) to practice source reduction and recycling of used oil, antifreeze, sol-
vents, and heavy metals that may otherwise be improperly disposed of (e.g., via a
septic system).
Additional Information
. National Safe Drinking Water Hotline - (800) 426-4791
, "Shallow Injection Wells and How They Affect Drinking Water," U.S. EPA
Region 8, Groundwater Program - (303) 312-6312
» Residents of Colorado, Montana and South Dakota can contact the U.S.
EPA Region 8 (phone number listed above). Residents of Utah, North Da-
kota and Wyoming can contact their respective state agencies.
See the listing for State Injection Wells contacts in the resource section
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WATER PROGRAMS
\Cfellhead Protection
The 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) called upon each state
to develop a Wellhead Protection (WHP) program. This legislation established a na-
tionwide program to encourage states to develop systematic and comprehensive pro-
grams to protect groundwater public water supply wells and wellfields within their
jurisdiction from contamination.
The statute mandated that all states develop WHP programs. To date, every state in
Region 8 has developed and is implementing an EPA-approved WHP program. The
Region 8 states' programs are voluntary, with the exception of Utah, which operates a
mandatory program. (Certain WHP components are required to be implemented by
states under the Source Water Assessment Program [SWAP].) States encourage munici-
palities to participate and to exercise individual discretion in developing methods of
protecting groundwater used for drinking water. The Source Water Protection Program
incorporates surface water systems and is very similar to Wellhead Protection (see
Source Water Assessment and Protection).
Under SDWA, Section 1-428, each state in Region 8 developed a WHP program consist-
ing of several elements. At a minimum, each state's WHP program addressed:
* Specific roles and duties of state agencies, local government entities, and
public water suppliers, with respect to WHP programs;
» Delineation of the wellhead protection area (WHPA) for each wellhead;
* Identification of sources of contaminants within each WHPA;
» Development of management approaches to protect the water supply within
WHPAs from such contaminants;
» Development of contingency plans for each public water supply system to
respond to well or wellfield contamination;
» Properly siting of new wells to maximize yield and minimize potential
contamination;
* Ensuring public participation.
Actions your community should be taking
The Wellhead Protection program requires the participation of all levels of govern-
ment. The Federal government is responsible for approving state wellhead protection
programs and tor providing technical support to state and local governments. States
must develop and implement Wellhead Protection programs that meet requirements
of the SDWA Amendments. While the responsibilities of local governments depend
upon the particular requirements of the state's Wellhead Protection program, local gov-
ernments are often in the best position to implement measures to ensure that wellhead
areas are properly protected from contamination.
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WATER PROGRAMS
Wellhead Protection
47
Local governments typically have jurisdiction to implement zoning decisions, develop
land use plans, oversee building and fire codes, implement health requirements, sup-
ply water and sewer services, and enforce police powers. Each of these local powers
may be used to protect the quality of local aquifers.
Cities and counties are also often the innovators in developing Wellhead Protection
programs by applying combinations of management tools {e.g., zoning and potential
contaminant source prohibitions) to meet unique local conditions. Localities often pro-
tect groundwater as part of larger projects, such as developing growth management
plans or economic development efforts. In close cooperation with regional, state and
Federal agencies, local governments can take positive steps to protect their wellhead
areas.
Additional Information
» Region 8 WHP Coordinator (303) 312-6719
« Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791
» National Center for Environmental Publication and Information (800) 490-
9198
» EPA Wellhead Protection website at http:/www.epa.go\yQGWDW/
whpnp.html
See the listing for State Wellhead Protection contacts in the resource section
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WATER PROGRAMS
Source Water Assessment & Protection 1
EPA has supported states and communities in their voluntary efforts to protect sources
of drinking water since 1986, when the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amend-
ments established the Wellhead Protection program (WHP). The 1996 SDWA Amend-
ments have expanded upon this effort, and now require states with responsibility for
regulating public water supplies to develop a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP).
SWAP addresses both surface water and groundwater sources of drinking water, and
integrates the earlier WHP activities into it. The SWAP approach continues to rely
upon a clear state lead in program development and management, and upon strong
public participation.
States must form advisory committees to assist in development of their Source Water
Assessment and Protection program, as follows:
* Technical advisory committee - to provide input on the technical feasibil-
ity and effectiveness of the proposed SWAP plan;
* Citizen advisory committee - to evaluate the SWAP plan for appropriate-
ness and desirability.
The committees may be combined, but members must represent a wide cross-section
ol stakeholders from throughout the state, and must be able to evaluate technical
material and/or policy issues. SWAP documents submitted to EPA will need to de-
scribe the committees' advice regarding key issues.
States must submit SWAP plans to EPA for review by February 1999. EPA must ap-
prove or disapprove the SWAP programs within nine months of submittal. States
must begin implementation immediately upon approval, and they must complete
program implementation within three and one-half years, including any allowable
extensions.
Assessment
The SWAP plan forms the framework for undertaking required assessments of sources
of groundwater and surface water for all public water systems in the state, and for
identifying activities within designated source water protection areas that could con-
taminate water quality. The resulting assessments provide enough information about
drinking water sources so that drinking water utilities can take action to prevent
contamination of the sources.
States have considerable discretion in fulfilling SWAP requirements since EPA guid-
ance provides for alternatives and options in completing their SWAP plans. However,
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WATER PROGRAMS 49
Source Water Assessment & Protection
each SWAP must include the following elements:
* Delineation of the Source "Water Protection Area - Basically, this is a topo-
graphical map of the land area surrounding a surface or groundwater drink-
ing water source through which contaminants could move and reach the
well or intake.
» Contaminant Inventory - Identification of land uses, industries, and ac-
tivities within the source water protection area that could contribute con-
taminants to the source of drinking water and, thereby, degrade water
quality.
» Susceptibility Analysis - Determination of the likelihood that a contami-
nant, once it has entered the drinking water source, will reach the intake or
drinking water well in an amount that will affect the public water system
and its ability to deliver safe drinking water.
» Public Notification - The SWAP plan must describe how the results of the
assessments will be made available to the public. In its report to the
public, the state must provide maps showing the delineated areas, the
location of the contaminants, and the results of the susceptibility analysis.
States are encouraged to use information and data sources that already exist at many
different Federal, state, and local agencies in developing their SWAP plans. SWAP
implementation can then serve as an opportunity for states to collect existing informa-
tion in one place and use it to conduct susceptibility analyses.
EPA recommends that states use an iterative process in completing the required assess-
ments: that is, collect the available information necessary for completing assessments,
and then determine if a collection of additional information is warranted in order to
undertake complex susceptibility analyses. Information collected under an existing
WHP would remain acceptable upon review and appropriate updates.
Protection
States' SWAP plan submittals to EPA need to report whether or not they will be devel-
oping a Source Water Protection Program (SWPP). While not mandatory, the SWPP
will describe how the information collected through SWAP implementation will be
used to advance pollution prevention and protection efforts. Additionally, a Source
Water Protection Program provides guidelines and advice to local communities on
subsequent development of plans for protecting their sources of drinking water.
Several states have chosen to incorporate SWPP measures within their existing Well-
head Protection Program. States may also actively assist communities in protecting
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50
WATER PROGRAMS
Source Water Assessment & Protection
their drinking water sources by providing technical assistance and financial resources
in the form of grants and loans.
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
A new addition to SDWA is the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, for which states
must provide an overall 20% match. From this state-administered fund, they can
provide public water systems with low interest loans to improve the treatment and
distribution of drinking water. (See Drinking Water SRF section for more informa-
tion.) In addition, several "set-asides" are included, whereby states can take a percentage
of the fund for other activities, including source water assessment and protection.
Depending on use, set-aside funding is available to states as either grants or loans for
the following activities:
« Source water assessment programs (available from 1997 money only);
* Source water protect ion /source water petition programs;
» Purchase of land or conservation easements;
« Wellhead protection programs;
« Program administration or technical assistance for source water protection.
Actions your community should be taking
Active protection of drinking water sources remains the responsibility of the people
who drink the water, working in coordination with their public water supplier. Local
protection efforts are the key to protecting drinking water supplies, and local govern-
ment units are in the best position to implement measures to ensure that source waters
are properly protected from contamination.
Local governments typically implement zoning decisions, develop land-use plans, oversee
building and fire codes, implement health requirements, supply water and sewer ser-
vices, and enforce police powers. Through these local actions, positive steps can be
taken to protect the quality of source waters. Combinations of management tools (e.g.,
zoning, source prohibitions), easements and purchases can be used to meet unique
local conditions. Additionally, cooperation can be sought with state and federal agen-
cies. Such cooperative approaches can be used to provide technical assistance and
funding sources to enhance protective measures.
Additional Information
. EPA Region 8 Source Water Protection Program (303) 312-6550
* Region 8 Source Water Assessment and Protection website at hup://
www.epa. gov/unixQ008 / wa ter/s wa p/swa p.ht ml
Sfe thf listing for State Source Water Assessment and Protection
contacts in the resource section
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WATER PROGRAMS
VKistewater
Discharge Permits Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimina-
tion System (NPDES)
Public Law 92-500, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended in 1972, estab-
lished a national policy to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological
integrity of the nation's waters. [PL 92-500 was later renamed the Clean Water Act (CWA),]
One of the chief mechanisms to achieve these goals is the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The U.S. EPA or the state environmen-
tal control agency has responsibility for administering the NPDES permit program.
NPDES permits are issued to operators discharging any pollutant (including wastewa-
ter effluent) to state/U.S. waters (such as streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, etc).
Specific term? and conditions for NPDES permits vary from state to state, but each
primacy state must administer the program to meet minimum EPA standards. In
addition, permit requirements within a given state may also vary because of different
designated beneficial uses of the receiving water and other factors at the discharge site.
Actions your community should be taking
Maximize community awareness of and develop education programs about:
» wastewater collection and disposal
* alternative solutions available
« funding resources and procedures tor implementing appropriate wastewa-
ter treatment programs
Because ot reduced levels of Federal funding tor wastewater collection and disposal
systems, rural communities and their technical consultants must identify less expen-
sive alternative technologies in order to reduce project cost and operating expenses.
Numerous technical and administrative resources are available at little or no cost to
small communities, either at the state or Federal level. Local regulatory authorities.
funding agencies, and technical consultants must become knowledgeable about the
resources available and work cooperatively in order for rural America to have effective
wastewater collection and disposal systems.
Additional Information
» Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (33 US.C 1342) - Commonly
referred to as the Clean Water Act
* EPA Administered Permit Programs: The National Pollutant Discharge
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52
WATER PROGRAMS
Wastewater - NPDES
Elimination System, 40 CFR Part 122
* "Small Wastewater Systems - Alternative Systems for Small Communities
and Rural Areas," EPA National Small Flows Clearinghouse, (800) 624-8301
« "It's \bur Choice - A Guidebook for Local Officials on Small Community
Wastewater Management Options," EPA National Small Flows Clearing-
house, (800) 624-8301
« "Self-Help Handbook," Jane Schautz and Christopher M. Conway, The
Rensselaerville Institute, Rensselaerviile, NY 12147, (518) 797-3783
« "Community Managed Septic Systems ~ A Viable Alternative to Sewage
Treatment Plants," Controller General Report to the Congress of the United
States, CED 78-168, 11/3/78
« "Design Manual - Constructed Wetlands and Aquatic Plant Systems for
Municipal Wastewater Treatment," Center for Environmental Research In-
formation, Cincinnati, OH 45268, EPA/625/1-88/022
Set the listing for State Water Quality flrrmit contacts in the resource section
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WATER PROGRAMS
Wastewater
Secondary Treatment of Municipal Wastewater
Secondary treatment is the minimum treatment requirement for most Publicly Owned
Treatment Works (POTW), Secondary treatment, among other things, requires that
effluent concentrations of five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD.) and total
suspended solids limits not exceed 30 mg/1 as a thirty-day average. Some states allow
higher total suspended solids limits if certain conditions are met. In general, at a
minimum the treatment process must be a stabilization pond.
Does the secondary treatment regulation apply to my community?
Yes, all treatment facilities that discharge to waters of the U.S. must comply. Desig-
nated beneficial uses of the receiving waters may necessitate that higher quality efflu-
ent be discharged or possibly allow no discharge at all.
Actions your community should be taking
If a wastewater treatment plant discharges to state/US, waters (such as streams, lakes,
wetlands, etc), it is required to have a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Sys-
tem (NPDES) permit. States may have slightly different names for their permit
programs, but the permit will specify effluent limitations and monitoring require-
ments. If the POTW cannot meet the effluent limitations specified in the permit, it
may be necessary to upgrade the treatment facility, review operational improvements,
and/or improve the sewer collection system to correct excess inflow/infiltration prob-
lems. Another approach would be to minimize water use by instituting water conser-
vation measures, such as the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures in homes and build-
ings.
If you suspect that there is a problem having to do with secondary treatment of
municipal wastewater in your community, notify the appropriate parties. Starting
with the POTW itself, this could include community officials, county sanitarians, or
state officials responsible for water quality and/or wastewater discharge permits.
Additional Information
« Office of Wastewater Management website at http:/www.epa.gov/owm
» EPA Secondary Treatment regulations, 40 CFR Part 133
* "Needs Survey Report to Congress," EPA, February 1997 published every
four years
» "Overview of Selected EPA Regulations and Guidance Affecting POTW
Management," EPA, September 1989
See the listing for State Water Quality Permit contacts in the resource section
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WATER PROGRAMS
^istewater
Blosolids/Sewage Sludge Use and Disposal
Until about 25 years ago, what was then called sewage sludge or municipal wastewater
sludge was disposed of in landfills or incinerated. During the past quarter century the
practice has changed to recycling biosohds, a byproduct of the wastewater treatment
process. Environmental regulations ensure that biosohds are handled properly and are
of sufficient quality for use as a soil conditioner, fertilizer, or for other intended uses.
How do Biosoiids differ from Sewage Sludge?
Biosolids are primarily organic treated wastewater materials from municipal wastewa-
ter treatment plants (with the emphasis on the word treated] that are suitable for
recycling as a soil amendment. Sewage sludge now refers to untreated primary and
secondary organic solids from the wastewater treatment process. This differentiates
biosolids, which have received stabilization treatment at a municipal wastewater treat-
ment plant, from sewage sludge, as well as the many other types of sludge (such as oil
and gas field wastes) that cannot be beneficially recycled as soil amendments.
Exactly what are Biosolids?
Biosolids are, in eilect, a slow release nitrogen fertilizer with low concentrations of
other plant nutrients. In addition to significant amounts of nitrogen, biosolids also
contain phosphorus, potassium, and essential micronutrients, such as zinc and iron,
which are of great benefit in the West, where many soils are deficient in micronutri-
ents. Since biosolids are also rich in organic matter, they can improve soil quality by
improving water-holding capacity, soil structure and air and water transport. Proper
use of biosolids can ultimately decrease topsoil erosion.
When applied at agronomic rates (the rates at which plants require nitrogen during a
defined growth period), biosohds provide an economic benefit in addition to their
environmental advantages. Colorado State University agronomists have shown that
application of three dry tons of biosolids per acre every other year to dryland wheat
crops produces comparable yields, higher protein content, and larger economic returns
when compared with dryland wheat produced using 50 to 60 pounds per acre of
commercial nitrogen fertilizer.
What are the Federal Requirements for Biosolids?
The EPA in 1993 set forth requirements for management of all biosolids generated
during the process of treating municipal wastewater. commonly called the 503 Rule.
The 503 Rule encourages the beneficial reuse of biosohds, and establishes strict stan-
dards under which wastewater residuals can and cannot be beneficially recycled as soil
amendments. The EPA believes that biosolids are ,m important resource that can and
should be safely recycled.
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WATER PROGRAMS
Wastewater - Biosolids
55
The 503 Rule is designed to protect public health and the environment. Most of the
requirements are based on the results of extensive environmental risk assessment and
on more than 25 years of independent research. The 503 Rule established standards for
pathogen destruction and for levels of metals that can be present in biosolids. It also
governs reduction of the attraction of vectors (such as flies), agricultural practices, site
restrictions, and crop harvesting restrictions.
What are the Reuse/Disposal Options?
The only options for reuse/disposal of biosolids are incineration, surface disposal,
landfilling, or recycling as soil amendments. Incineration is very expensive. Landfilling
and surface disposal are really temporary solutions to a permanent problem. Because
biosolids are a valuable resource, recycling as soil amendments is the preferred disposal
option.
Do the Biosolids (sewage sludge) regulations apply to my community?
\es, if the wastewater treatment system includes any form ot central treatment or
mechanical plant, including a lagoon, which will need to be cleaned, whether it is
covered in your NPDES permit or not.
Even septage is now covered in the regulations as sewage sludge, as long as it is prima-
rily domestic. Commercial/industrial septage is not included.
Additional Information
* "Biosolids Management Handbook for Small Publicly Owned Treatment
Works (POTWs)," September 1995, U.S. EPA Region 8
* "Use of Reclaimed Water & Sludge in Food Crop Production," National
Research Council National Academy Press, Washington, DC 1996
» "Questions & Answers About Biosolids Recycling in Colorado," Colorado
Department of Public Health & the Environment, Water Quality Control
Division & U.S. EPA Region 8
» "Guide to Soil Suitability and Site Selection for Beneficial Use of Domestic
Wastewater Biosolids: Manual 8." Oregon State University Extension Ser-
vice
* "A Guide to the Biosolids Risk Assessments for the EPA Part 503 Rule,"
EPA,/ 832/B-93-005, September 1995
* "A Plain English Guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule," EPA/832/R-93-
003, September 1994
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56 WATER PROGRAMS
Wastewater - Biosotids
• Preparing Sewage Sludge for Land Application or Surface Disposal - A
Guide for Preparers on the Monitoring, Record-keeping, and Reporting
Requirements of Federal Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge,
40 CFR Part 503 (EPA, 1993)
# Surface Disposal of Sewage Sludge - A Guide for Owners/Operators of
Surface Disposal Facilities on the Monitoring, Record-keeping, and Notifi-
cation Requirements of the Federal Standards for the Use or Disposal of
Sewage Sludge, 40 CFR Part 503 (EPA, 1994)
» Region 8 Biosolids Management Program website at http:/www.epa.goy/
unixOOQS/water/npdes/biosolid.html
« Colorado State University Cooperative Extension website at http:/
www.coIostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt
• Water Environment Federation website at http:/www. wef.org/biosolids.html
. EPA Region 8 Biosolids Coordinator (303) 312-6129
« Information may also be obtained by contacting your county sanitarian.
See the listing for State Biosolids contacts in the resource section
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WATER PROGRAMS
Pretreatment Requirements
Pretreatment refers to processes used to reduce, eliminate, or alter the nature of waste-
water pollutants from non-domestic sources before they are discharged into publicly
owned treatment works (POTWs). A pretreatment program will include development
of appropriate ordinances, education programs for operators, inspections, monitoring,
and enforcement.
Specifically, pretreatment programs control pollutants that are incompatible or will
interfere with the treatment process for domestic water, or pass-through the POTW
untreated and cause problems in the receiving waters. In addition, pretreatment re-
quirements can improve opportunities to recycle and reclaim domestic wastewaters
and sludges.
Do the pretreatment requirements apply to my community?
Generally, smaller POTWs are not required to establish EPA or state-approved pretreat-
ment programs since small communities have few, if any, non-domestic users. How-
ever, many smaller communities are opting to establish their own pretreatment pro-
grams voluntarily in order to enhance protection of their POTWs and receiving waters.
If a community does have non-domestic users (such as food processing plants, metal
finishers, significant trucked and hauled waste contributors, etc) discharging pollut-
ants that could pass through the POTW untreated or interfere with operations, the
community may have to implement a pretreatment program to satisfy National Pol-
lutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. (See the NPDES
section for more information on the permit program)
Your facility's current NPDES permit contains a section on prohibited discharges for
industrial or commercial users. This section requires all municipalities to protect their
POTWs from pass-through, interference, sludge contamination or adverse effects on
worker safety from the discharge of pollutants by non-domestic users. These are, in
effect, pretreatment requirements and are designed to ensure that you protect your
POTW:
If the rule applies to my community, what should I do?
If your community is required to establish a pretreatment program or if you establish
one voluntarily, your local POTW governing unit must enact ordinances to imple-
ment pretreatment requirements and identify a person responsible for ensuring that
the program is administered according to regulations.
Discharge limitations are developed and enforced by POTWs to implement prohibi-
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58
WATER PROGRAMS
Wastewater - Pretreatment
tions and to protect the POTW They are site specific to ensure that pretreatment
standards are in place to protect the POTVt,r the receiving stream and municipal sludge
quality.
If your community wants to establish a local pretreatment program but is not required
to do so by your NPDES permit, contact your state wastewater agency or the Regional
Office of tbe EPA for assistance.
If you suspect that there is a problem with a non-domestic user in your community,
notify your POTW operator and EPA Regional Office, or the department of state
government responsible for wastewater discharge permits.
Additional Information
* Pretreatment Final Rule, 40 CFR Part 403
» EPA Region 8 Pretreatment website at hup'!/wwwiepa_igoy/unixOOQ8/water/
npdes/pret reatju ml
See the listing for State Pretreatment contacts in the resource section
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WATER PROGRAMS
\fostewater
Storm Water
Storm water runoff flows over parking lots and other areas, collects in street gutters
and storm drains, and can eventually flow to water bodies after little or no treatment.
In addition to the usual pollutants, storm water can be further contaminated by dumping
used motor oil, leftover paint, pesticides and other household chemicals on the ground,
in parking lots and in streets. This can severely affect nearby surface waters.
In 1987, Congress amended the Clean Water Act to require the establishment of a
comprehensive two-phased approach to control storm water discharges. The Phase I
regulations were published in the Federal Register on November 16, 1990, and concen-
trate primarily on:
* Discharges associated with industrial activity including construction projects
disturbing more than five acres.
* Discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) serving a
population of 100,000 or more.
Municipalities under 100,000 population have had fewer requirements under the Phase
I regulations. They have been required to get permit coverage tor storm water dis-
charges from airports, power plants, and uncontrolled sanitary landfills that they own
or operate. The state or EPA may require, on a case-by-case basis, permits for storm
water discharges from other activities owned or operated by municipalities under
100,000 population if considered necessary to control contaminated runoff. Some small
MS4s (serving fewer than 100,000 people) may also be covered under Phase I regula-
tions if they have interconnections with medium or large MS4s, or if their discharges
can negatively affect local receiving waters.
Phase II, which is currently under development, will address all storm water discharges
not covered under Phase I. The proposed Phase II rule was published in the Federal
Register on January 9, 1998, and the final rule is scheduled to be published in early
1999. Specifically, Phase II storm water regulations would affect municipalities under
100,000 population by:
« Requiring them to apply for MS4 permits if they are located within an
urbanized area, as defined by the US. Census Bureau, or if designated by
the state or EPA as needing a permit.
« Requiring them to apply for permits for storm water discharges from mu-
nicipal construction projects that disturb one acre or more and for other
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60 WATER PROGRAMS
Wastewater - Storm Water
municipally-owned or operated facilities that are defined as associated with
industrial activity (e.g., certain sewage treatment plants, vehicle mainte-
nance operations, etc).
Actions your community should be taking
Maintain coverage under existing storm water discharge permits, as necessary, for Phase
I municipal sources (e.g., airports, power plants, uncontrolled sanitary landfills). If you
are still unclear whether certain municipal operations need coverage under Phase I
storm water discharge permits, contact your state or EPA National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permitting authority.
Contact your state or EPA NPDES permitting authority by the middle of 1999 to
determine the applicability of the Phase II storm water requirements to your commu-
nity. Apply for storm water discharge permits, and implement controls as necessary,
according to Phase II storm water regulations.
Even if your community is not affected by storm water regulations, consider develop-
ing an information and education program to increase the awareness of municipal
employees and residents of the relationship between the storm water drainage system
and the local lake or stream. Communities should also consider establishing local
ordinances prohibiting non-storm water hookups and discharges or disposal of chemi-
cals into the storm water drainage system.
Additional Information
Contact your state or EPA Regional storm water contact for more information about
the storm water permitting program or visit the following storm water Internet sites:
* EPA's NPDES Storm Water Program site at http:/www.epa.goy/owm/
stormw.htm
» EPA's Wet Weather site at httrx/www.epa.gov/owm/wgen.htm
* EPA's Storm Water Library at http:/www.epa.gov/owm/swlib.htm
* EPA Region 8 Storm Water site at httpj/ww^.epA.gQVjinixOQQ8/waier/
npdes/storrn.hmil
» EPA Region 6 Storm Witer site at http:/www.epa.gov/earth_1 r^6en/w/sw/
home.htm
Stc the listing for State Storm V&ter contacts in the resource section
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WATER PROGRAMS
Wastewater
State Revolving Fund Program
Title VI of the 1987 Amendments to the Clean Water Act authorized EPA to award
annual grants to states for funding of State Revolving Funds (SRFs). These funds are
intended to be a source of financial assistance for water pollution control projects in
perpetuity. States must provide at least a 20 percent match for each grant. However,
the program allows states to employ optional, innovative financial strategies to in-
crease the amount of loan funds available earlier in the SRF's life. An SRF may pro-
vide financial assistance to municipalities, inter-municipal, state and interstate agen-
cies for construction of publicly owned wastewater treatment works (POTWs). Projects
can include storm water facilities, and non-point source (NFS) management programs.
For NFS projects, the SRF can also assist private citizens directly through loans for
projects such as helping bring a private septic system into compliance.
The types of financial assistance available include loans, purchase or refinancing of
existing municipal debt, guarantee of municipal or state obligations and purchase of
insurance to guarantee municipal debt ror wastewater systems. Direct grants are not
authorized. Loans can cover 100% ot eligible project costs with no cash up front.
Each state develops, implements and administers its own SRF program, which is
meant to be a one-stop technical and financial service, subject to minimal federal
requirements. Each state must prepare for public comment an annual Intended Use
Plan on SRF operations for the upcoming year. Loans granted through an SRF must
meet these basic criteria:
» Interest rates at or below market, including zero percent;
» Amortization schedules of 20 years or less;
* Annual principal and interest payments commencing not later that one
year after project completion;
* Pledge of a dedicated source of revenue by each borrower.
Additional Information
« EPA Region 8 SRF Coordinator (303) 312-6277
t Initial Guidance for State Revolving Funds, January, 1988
* EPA State Revolving Fund Program Implementation Regulations, 40 CFR
Part 35, Subpart K
* State Revolving Fund, Final Questions and Answers, July, 1990
See the listing for State Revolving Fund contacts in the resource section
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Pollution Prevention
EPA's Pollution Prevention Approach
The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 establishes pollution prevention as national policy,
that is, EPA's preferred approach for protecting human health and the environment.
The primary goal of pollution prevention is to prevent or reduce the generation of
wastes and pollutants at the source. Pollutants that cannot be prevented should be
recycled whenever possible. Pollutants that cannot be prevented or recycled should be
treated in an environmentally safe manner. Disposal or other release of pollutants into
the environment should be used only as a last resort and should be conducted in an
environmentally safe manner.
In summation, instead of using traditional pollution treatment and control methods to
stop existing pollutants from reaching the environment, pollution prevention aims to
anticipate and avoid the generation of pollutants in the first place.
Actions for Communities
Small communities are in a unique position to make things happen and to win the
battle against pollution because they can deal directly with local environmental prob-
lems. Local governments can encourage and stimulate the practice of pollution preven-
tion at all levels by working with industry and manufacturing, business and govern-
ment (including agriculture, transportation, energy generators, hospitals and schools),
communities, and individuals.
Following are specific suggestions on how community leaders can fight pollution and
preserve environmental quality, human health and natural resources:
» Set pollution prevention as a major goal and integrate the concept into
governmental activities. Publicly recognize pollution prevention as a prior-
ity.
» Practice what you preach—set an example.
* Educate the public as well as business and industry about pollution preven-
tion.
» Create an awareness of the profitability and benefits of pollution preven-
tion through greater efficiency and utilization of natural resources.
» Develop programs to:
1. Recycle paper, glass, plastic, aluminum, scrap metal, motor oil, and
yard wastes.
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Pollution Prevention
63
2. Use less energy. Set back thermostats, insulate, buy energy-efficient
lighting and appliances, and make creative use of daylight.
3. Use less water. Be conservative. Use ultra-low flush toilets; install wa-
ter meters; repair leaks; review maintenance schedules; use water con-
serving landscaping.
4. Buy energy efficient automobiles and other fleet vehicles and keep
them tuned.
5. Car pool, bike, walk, or use mass transit when possible.
6. Take advantage of natural methods of crop protection. Apply insecti-
cides and herbicides carefully if they must be used at all.
7 Reduce smoke, radon, asbestos and other indoor-air pollutants.
8. Reduce use of materials that produce hazardous or toxic waste; encour-
age product substitution and modification of industrial operations to
preclude generation ot hazardous and/or toxic waste. Recycle used motor
oil.
9. Buy recycled or recyclable products. Seek out products with reusable,
recyclable or returnable packaging.
10. Be careful around surfaces covered with lead-based paint, and be cau-
tious when children are nearby during renovation or rehabilitation of
old buildings. Be sure drinking water does not contain harmful levels
of lead or other contaminants.
11. Plant trees, shrubs, and indoor plants. They replenish the earth's oxygen
supply and clean the air by removing pollution.
Additional Information
. EPA, Region 8, Pollution Prevention Program (303) 312-6385
* EPA Region 8 Pollution Prevention Program website at http:/www.epa.gov/
region08/p2/p2home.html
See the listing for State Pollution Prevention contacts in the resource section
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Public-Private Partnerships
As a community leader, you face the prospect of building or upgrading public facilities
to comply with growing environmental protection requirements and expectations. At
the same time, Federal grant funds for public works have been substantially reduced,
which means that state and local governments face expanded responsibilities while
constrained by limited budgets. As these pressures grow, local community leaders must
find new ways for their communities to hold down costs and build public support for
necessary additional expenses. One approach a municipality may consider is to region-
alize services with surrounding communities. Public-private partnerships offer another
possible solution.
Public-Private Partnerships: What and Why?
A public-private environmental partnership is a contractual relationship between a
public and private partner (e.g., a municipality and a local firm or district) that com-
mits both to providing an environmental service. The private sector can be involved in
A variety of ways, from the initial design of a facility to its daily operation and main-
tenance.
Although each arrangement is unique, most public-private partnerships fall into one of
the following categories:
Contract Services: The private sector is contracted to provide a specific municipal
service, such as garbage collection, or to maintain and operate a facility such as a waste
treatment plant. The facility is owned by the public sector.
Turnkey Facility: The private sector designs, constructs, and operates an environmen-
tal facility that is owned by the public sector. While the public sector generally as-
sumes the financing risk, the performance risk for minimum levels of service and/or
compliance usually is assumed by the private partner.
Developer Financed: In this type of arrangement, the private sector (usually private
developers) finances the construction or expansion of an environmental facility in re-
turn for the right to build houses, stores or industrial facilities.
Privatization: In privatization, the private sector owns, builds and operates a facility.
They also partially or totally finance the facility
Merchant Facility: In this type of arrangement, not only does the private sector own
and operate the facility, as in privatization deals, but they also make the decision to
provide an environmental service to a community. It is similar in concept to a fast food
franchise except that it involves environmental services.
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Public-Private Partnerships
65
There are benefits associated with each of these categories. Communities enter into
partnerships for various reasons, including access to more sophisticated technology;
cost-effective design, construction and/or operation; flexible financing; sharing of re-
sponsibility and risk; and guaranteed costs.
Building a Public-Private Partnership
No two communities build a partnership in exactly the same way, but all must take
roughly the same steps. There is now a publication called "Public-Private Partnerships
for Environmental Facilities: A Self-Help Guide for Local Governments'' written to
acquaint local officials with the concept of public-private partnerships, their benefits,
and the steps a community must take to build relationships with the private sector.
The guide presents an action checklist of the steps that will help a community make
the many decisions necessary to enter into a partnership contract with a private firm.
For example, a community initiates the partnership process by evaluating its service
needs, reviewing available technology, and identifying resources that may be able to
assist in the development of the contract. At the same time, community leaders in-
volved in this process must also try to generate public support for the proposed part-
nership project.
It is also important to review a potential private partner's performance record prior to
entering into negotiations. Eventually, local officials must narrow partnership options,
select and conduct the procurement process and, finally, develop the service agreement.
Financing, Procurement, and the Service Agreement
Three of the most difficult steps in building a public-private partnership are financing,
procurement, and the service agreement.
In choosing a financing method, a community should estimate the capital required
and identify various financing options. The financing options should then be assessed
in relation to the financial condition of the municipality, the project's costs and poten-
tial risks. The community then must select the option that is most appropriate by
comparing costs and benefits of the various options.
Next comes the procurement process. The three types of procurement most communi-
ties select are advertised procurement, competitive negotiation, and two-step advertis-
ing.
Advertised Procurement involves preparing a very specific invitation for bid; bidders
cannot alter or amend the terms. This type of procurement works best when a commu-
nity knows precisely what it wants to buy or build and how the project is to be
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66
OTHER PROGRAMS
Public-Private Partnerships
financed,
Competitive Negotiation offers the opportunity to negotiate with one or more bidders
and allows you to be less specific about the project and its financing. It offers the
opportunity to define project needs generally; that is, to identify performance needs
rather than a particular technical or financial approach.
Two-Step Adi>ertising Procurement is a combination of the other two processes. It can
be used to obtain flexibility when competitive negotiation is not permitted.
Finally, a partnership arrangement must be spelled out in a "service agreement" or
contract. Each contract must include the following elements:
« description of the project and performance criteria
« compensation method and timetable
« provision for changes
« risk allocations
« provision for contract termination and step-in rights
Insurance and bonding should also be considered since they may affect the terms of the
contract.
Additional information
« EPA? Region 8, Reinvention Program, (303) 312-6387
« "Public-Private Partnerships for Environmental Facilities: A Self-Help Guide
for Local Governments," is available on the Internet at http:/w\vw.epa.gov
in the Publications Section or by calling (800) 490-9198.
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Emergency Planning & Community
Right-to-Know Act
Also Known as the Superfund Amendments & Reauthorization Act (SARA), Title III
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), enacted in
1986, has two major purposes: 1) to increase public knowledge of and access to informa-
tion on the presence of toxic chemicals in communities, releases of toxic chemicals into
the environment, and waste management activities involving toxic chemicals; and 2) to
encourage and support planning for responding to environmental emergencies.
What is an Environmental Emergency?
An environmental emergency is a sudden threat to the public health or the environ-
ment arising from the release or potential release of oil, radioactive materials, or haz-
ardous chemicals into the air, land, or water. These emergencies may occur as a result
of transportation accidents, events at chemical or other facilities that use or manufae
ture chemicals, or as a result of natural or man-made disasters. While there are many
other serious environmental problems about which EPA is concerned, EPCRA focuses
generally on sudden, immediate threats.
What are some of the requirements under this law?
Section 304 of the Act requires facilities to report immediately releases of toxic chemi-
cals to air, water, and land.
Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requires
certain businesses to submit annual reports to the U.S. EPA and the state no later than
July 1 of each year. These reports include the amounts of toxic chemicals their facilities
release into the environment, either routinely or as a result of accidents. The purpose
of this reporting is to provide a database known as the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
that informs local governments and the public about releases of toxic chemicals into
the environment.
EPCRA also mandated formation of State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs),
which must appoint Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs). SERCs must be
notified by facilities of chemical accidents subject to EPCRA requirements.
LEPCs are required to analyze hazards and develop a local emergency plan to respond
to chemical emergencies in each local district. Additionally, the LEPC must exercise,
review and update the plan annually and make it available to the public. Businesses
and industrial facilities must report annually to the LEPC on the chemical types,
storage amounts and locations at their facilities. The LEPC must also make this inven-
tory information available to the public.
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OTHER PROGRAMS
EPCRA
In addition, if there is a chemical accident or other environmental emergency at a
facility, responding organizations, such as the local fire department, will be prepared to
deal effectively with the problem because of information and training available through
EPCRA.
As a result of the TRI database and the hazardous chemical inventory information,
EPCRA enables state and local governments and the public to identify what needs to
be done at the local level to better deal with pollution and chemical emergencies. It
provides one vehicle to fulfill the community's right-to-know.
Does the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act apply to my
community?
Yes, the chemicals released by manufacturing and other types of facilities in and near
your community may pose a threat to citizens, to employees working at the facilities,
and to the greater total environment. Chemicals being stored or processed at these
facilities may also present a hazard to individuals (such as fire fighters, emergency
medical and law enforcement personnel) asked to respond to accidents, spills, and
other hazardous situations.
Compliance with EPCRA regulations can influence land use planning decisions for
your community. For example, you would not want to locate a business or industry
using chemicals that might present a hazard to individuals next to a school.
EPCRA provides stiff penalties for facilities that do not comply, and it allows citizens
to file lawsuits against companies and even government agencies to force them to obey
the law.
If the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act applies, what
should I do?
As a member of the public, you should, first, be informed. The TRI database is avail-
able to you on the Internet (at
from Envirofacts Warehouse and other computer accessible data banks, on CD-ROMs
available from the EPA and at some libraries. In addition, there are two documents
published annually by EPA, "Toxics Release Inventory; Public Data Release," and "Toxics
Release Inventory, Public Data Release, State Fact Sheets." With this information, you
as an individual and as part of citizen groups can work to encourage reductions in TRI
annual emissions by local industry and business.
As a local official, you should insist on complete planning and adequate preparation
for environmental emergencies. You should review the membership list of your Local
Emergency Planning Committee to make sure that it is representative of the commu-
nity and includes individuals from citizen groups, fire departments, hospitals, schools,
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OTHER PROGRAMS
EPCRA
69
state and local governments, medical, industry and business groups, and farmers if you
live in a rural area. It is important for the LEPC not only to carry out the emergency
planning process but also to communicate with the public about its activities.
In short, you should become familiar with the law so that you will know what tools
are being made available to better assess and manage toxic chemical risks present
within your community.
Whom to notify and how to be prepared in case of an environmental emer-
gency
In the event of a public health emergency, officials of the facility involved must first
contact local emergency response agencies, and then notify the appropriate state and
Federal authorities. To report oil and chemical spills, call the National Response Center
at (800) 424-8802.
Knowledge and training provide the best preparation in case of environmental emer-
gencies. Emergency response organizations, such as local fire departments, will be pre-
pared to deal effectively with chemical accidents and other environmental emergencies
because of information and training available through EPCRA.
Additional Information
* EPA, Region 8, Preparedness, Assessment & Emergency Response (303) 293-
1788 or (800) 227-8914
» EPA, Region 8 EPCRA Section 313 Program (303) 312-6447
« Region 8 EPCRA Program website at httrj;/vv'ww.epa^gov/region08/toxicsj/
epcra/epcra,htrril
* EPA, Region 8 EPCRA Enforcement (303) 312-6210
« Toxics Release Inventory Public Data Release Report at http:/www.epa.goy/
opptintr/tri/pdr96/drhome.htm
« SARA Title III Hotline (800) 424-9346
* EPA Region 8 Preparedness and Prevention Team Publication (908-F-98-003,
July 1998)
* EPA Region 8 Emergency Response Program (March 1997)
See the listing for State Emergency Response contacts in the resource section
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Asbestos
^^>
Asbestos is a general term for a number of naturally occurring fibrous mineral silicates;
as minerals, the silicates crystallize in narrow veins as parallel bundles of extremely
minute fibers. Any physical disturbance of these compact bundles generally breaks
them down into individual fibers or finer bundles.
Asbestos has high thermal stability, excellent tensile strength, resistance to chemical
attack, good thermal and electrical resistance and the ability to be subdivided into fine
fibers. Because of these unique qualities, asbestos is useful as insulation (electrical and
thermal), roofing and flooring, and as reinforcing additions to cements, mortars and
other coatings.
However, the physical properties that give asbestos its resistance to heat and decay are
linked with several adverse human health effects because asbestos tends to break into a
dust of microscopic fibers when disturbed. Because of their size and shape, these tiny
fibers can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can easily penetrate
body tissues when inhaled. Because ot their durability, these fibers can lodge and re-
main in the body tor many years.
Asbestos is now known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Other
cancers, primarily ot the digestive tract, also have been associated with exposure to
asbestos. These asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period; that is, symptoms
may not appear until 20 to 40 years alter exposure. No "safe" exposure threshold for
asbestos has been established, but the risk of disease generally increases with the length
and amount of exposure.
Discovery of the adverse health effects of asbestos brought about Federal regulation of
its use; manufacture and use of asbestos is now prohibited in the U.S.
Federal Regulations Governing Asbestos
National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
Probably the largest single source of asbestos in the indoor air we breathe is insulation,
since it had been used in most of the buildings built tor some fifty years. In accordance
with the Clean Air Act, Section 112, EPA established National Emissions Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) to protect the public health, and promulgated
the Asbestos NESHAP in 40 CFR Part 61 on April 6, 1973.
A revised NESHAP regulation was promulgated on November 20, 1990. Asbestos
NESHAP regulations protect the public by minimizing the release of asbestos fibers
during activities involving the processing, handling, and disposal of asbestos-contain-
ing material (ACM). They specify work practices to be followed during demolition
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Asbestos
71
and renovation of all structures, installations, and buildings (excluding residential build-
ings having four or fewer dwelling units). In addition, NESHAP regulations require
building owners and/or contractors to notify the applicable state {or EPA Regional
office) before any demolitions or renovations of buildings that will disturb a certain
threshold amount of asbestos.
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) (School Buildings)
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), signed into law on October
22,1986, required all schools in the U.S. to develop "management plans" to address how
to control their asbestos-containing material (ACM) (i.e., material greater than 1%
asbestos by weight).
As part of these requirements, EPA requires schools to appoint an asbestos manager,
called the "AHERA Designated Person," to be responsible for asbestos-related activities,
including implementation of the management plan and ensuring compliance with
federal asbestos regulations. EPA has observed that the quality of school asbestos pro-
grams depends heavily upon the dedication and work of the AHERA Designated
Person (DP). DPs who follow AHERA requirements can prevent the release of asbestos
fibers through their own actions, as well as through hiring and overseeing the work of
qualified personnel to conduct asbestos-related activities at their school buildings.
Provisions for training these individuals is provided under AHERA's Model Accredita-
tion Program (MAP) to certify people who conduct inspections for asbestos, develop
management plans, and perform the work needed to clean up asbestos problems in
schools. AHERA also established five accredited training programs for persons per-
forming asbestos-related work in schools.
School asbestos management plans must be available to all concerned persons, such as
faculty, staff, parents, or other interested parties. You may call your local school and
ask to see a copy of the plan. Most schools will request that you make an appointment
so that a school official can sit down with you and discuss the management plan.
Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out (ABPO)
On July 12, 1989. the EPA Promulgated the Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule (ABPO)
under authority of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Under this rule, certain
asbestos-containing products were scheduled to be banned at staged intervals over a
seven-year period. The objective was to reduce unreasonable health risks to the public
by eliminating certain asbestos-containing products and replacing them with safer al-
ternatives.
The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated most of the Asbestos Ban and Phase-out
Rule and remanded it to EPA. in October, 1991. However, it left intact the portion of
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Asbestos
the rule that regulates products that were not being manufactured, produced, or im-
ported when the rule was published - in other words, all products made after July 12,
1989.
Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA) (Public and/
or Commercial Buildings)
On November 28, 1990, the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act
{ASHARA) became law. Section 15 of ASHARA amended the Asbestos Hazard Emer-
gency Response Act (AHERA) to require accreditation for any person who inspects for
asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or who designs or conducts response actions with
respect to friable ACM in any public or commercial building (not just school build-
ings). Based on the ASHARA amendments, EPA promulgated a revised Model Accredi-
tation Plan (MAP) in February 1994, which not only extended the accreditation require-
ment but also increased the number of training hours required for accreditation.
Workers must now take a four-day, 32-hour EPA-approved training course consisting of
topics such as potential health effects of asbestos exposure, the use of personal protec-
tive equipment, and state-of-the-art work practices. Contractors/supervisors must take
a five-day, 40-hour EPA-approved course; inspectors and project designers take a three-
day course; and management planners take a two-day course. By the early 1990's, 44
states had become EPA-approved and were active participants in this nationwide pro-
gram.
Additional Information
The following documents are available by contacting the Region 8 Environmental
Information Center at (800) 227-8917 or the Regional Asbestos Coordinator at (303) 312-
6204:
« Managing Asbestos in Place: A Building Owners Guide to Operations and
Maintenance Programs for Asbestos-Containing Materials, 20T-2003, July
1990 (The "Green Book")
« How to Manage Asbestos in School Buildings: AHERA Designated Person's
Self Study Guide, January 1996
* The ABC's of Asbestos in Schools, Office of Pesticides & Toxic Substances,
June 1989
» Asbestos in the Home: A Homeowner's Guide, December 1998
* Environmental Hazards In \bur School: A Resource Handbook, EPA 2DT-
2001, October 1990
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Asbestos
73
A Guide to Performing Reinspections Under the Asbestos Hazard Emer-
gency Response Act (AHERA), EPA 700/B-92/001, February 1992
Federal Register: 40 CFR Part 763: Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools,
Final Rule and Notice, October 30, 1987
Federal Register: 40 CFR Part 61: National Emissions Standards for Hazard-
ous Air Pollutants (NESHAP); Asbestos NESHAP Revision; Final Rule,
November 20, 1990
Federal Register: 40 CFR Part 763: Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan Rule,
Interim Final Rule, February 3, 1994
See the listing for the State Asbestos contacts in the resource section
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Indoor Environments
Comparative risk studies performed by EPA and its Science Advisory Board have con-
sistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public
health. Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can be harmful to their
health but may not know that indoor air pollution can also have significant effects. In
fact, EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of
many pollutants may be 2-5 times, and sometimes 100 times, higher than outdoor
levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern because it is
estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors.
EPA's Indoor Environments Program was established in 1995 from existing Radon and
Indoor Air Programs to protect and promote human health and welfare in the indoor
environment. To accomplish this, EPA has identified the following goals to date:
* By 2005, 15 million more Americans will live or work in homes, schools, or
office buildings with healthier indoor air than in 1994.
* To reduce lung cancer, other respiratory diseases and other health prob-
lems, by 2005, 11.5 million more Americans will be exposed to healthier
indoor air in their homes. This will include the mitigation of high radon
levels in 700,000 homes, as well as the construction of one million homes
with new radon-resistant construction techniques. Goals also include the
reduction of the proportion of households with children six years and un-
der who are regularly exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), from
27% in 1994 to 15°-o.
4 To reduce health problems in the nearly 10 million children made ill annu-
ally from indoor air problems in schools, by 2005,15°/o of the nation's schools
will adopt practices consistent with EPA's "Indoor Air Quality Tools for
Schools" guidance.
Radon
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. For persons who smoke,
the health risk associated with elevated radon levels is especially high due to a synergis-
tic interaction between smoking and radon. The EPA has established an "action level"
for indoor radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/1) and a procedure for testing
homes, schools and commercial buildings. Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the
US. is estimated to have radon levels that exceed this action level.
Under the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (IRAA), enacted by Congress in 1988, funds
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Indoor Environments
75
are provided for state governments to establish radon programs and to assist local
governments and communities in encouraging residents to test for radon and mitigate
elevated radon levels. The IRAA also required the EPA to develop a program to
evaluate radon mitigation contractors and radon measurement labs. In response, the
EPA established: (1) four regional radon training centers to train radon professionals;
(2) a national proficiency exam to test the knowledge of radon contractors; and (3) a
Radon Contractor Proficiency (RCP) list.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), or "secondhand smoke," is the mixture of smoke
that come from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, and smoke exhaled by a
smoker. ETS contains over 4,000 compounds, more than 40 of which are known to
cause cancer in humans or animals and many others of which are strong respiratory
irritants. In 1992, EPA completed a major assessment of the respiratory health risks of
ETS. The report concludes that exposure to ETS is responsible for approximately 3,000
lung cancer deaths each year in nonsmoking adults, and impairs the respiratory health
of hundreds of thousands of children, including the exacerbation and increased onset
of childhood asthma. The Indoor Environments Program focus is to intensify efforts
that will generate public awareness of the health risks associated with childhood expo-
sure to ETS in the home.
Indoor Air Pollution & Schools
Children may be especially susceptible to air pollution. The same concentration of
pollutants can result in higher body burden in children than in adults because children
breathe a greater volume of air relative to their body weight. For this reason, air quality
in schools is of particular concern. Good indoor air quality contributes to a favorable
learning and working environment as well as a sense of comfort, health and well being
for people in school buildings.
EPA instituted a voluntary program in September 1995 called Indoor Air Quality Tools
for Schools (lAQ^TfS) to address this issue. The program offers guidance on how
school staffs can achieve and maintain good indoor air quality using low or no-cost
techniques. The IAQ_TfS kit is available to school administrators and is intended as a
"do-it-yourself IAQmanagement plan. It is designed to help prevent indoor air qual-
ity problems from occurring and to guide schools through quick and efficient resolu-
tion of problems if and when they do occur. The program focuses on both awareness
and effective communication.
This proactive approach helps schools avoid the premature spending of money on air
sampling and consulting fees, since many indoor air quality problems can be easily
identified and corrected without hiring professional help. lAQTfS is a voluntary, non-
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76
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Indoor Environments
regulatory program. EPA's role is simply to promote good indoor air quality through
education and to motivate schools to use this valuable information.
Does the indoor environments program apply to my community?
Local communities, in concert with state governments, play a vital role in reducing
the public health risk associated with indoor air pollution. It is very likely that there
are homes, schools and commercial buildings in your community that have elevated
indoor air pollutant concentrations.
Currently, most indoor environment policies are non-regulatory. EPA, state, and local
governments have focused their energies on educating the public about the health
risks of indoor air pollution and encouraging voluntary actions, such as testing in-
door environments for radon and implementing the Indoor Air Quality Tools for
Schools Action Kit, Some states have developed radon regulations that require certi-
fication of radon professionals, mandatory testing of all public schools and disclo-
sure of radon concentrations in real estate transactions. There are a limited number
of states that have adopted legislation for indoor air quality policies in schools and
commercial buildings.
Actions your community should be taking
Local governments can act to protect their residents from indoor air pollution in
several ways:
* Through developing indoor air quality education and outreach programs;
» Through adopting radon-resistant building codes for new construction,
encouraging radon testing and ensuring local radon contractors are RCP-
listed;
» Through community education on the health risks associated with child-
hood exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in the home;
* Through encouraging local schools to implement EPA's Indoor Air Qual-
ity Tools for Schools Action Kit;
* By working in conjunction with state radon and indoor air quality pro-
grams and community organizations, such as the American Lung Asso-
ciation, to elevate local attention to this important health risk.
Additional Information
The EPA has established a toll-free number to obtain indoor air quality information.
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Indoor Environments
77
For general indoor air quality inquiries and indoor air publications, contact
at (800) 438-4318. For radon inquiries, contact the radon hotline at (800) SOS-RADON.
Many states also have staff available to answer questions regarding radon.
* "The Inside Story. A Guide to Indoor Air Quality," US. EPA, April 1995,
EPA402-K-93-007
* "A Citizen's Guide to Radon," U.S. EPA, September 1994, EPA 402-K-92-001
V See the listing for State Indoor Environments/Radon
j contacts in the resource section
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Pesticides
The EPA registers and regulates the use of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA).
Under FIFRA, EPA has the authority to require manufacturers to submit specific re-
search data to EPA in order to determine whether a chemical can be registered for
production, sale, distribution and use in the United States. Upon approval by the EPA,
products covered under FIFRA regulations are given a registration number. EPA also
has the authority to cancel, suspend or place more use restrictions on a chemical prod-
uct should that be necessary in order to protect the public or the environment.
On August 13, 1992, the Worker Protection Standards became law and greatly ex-
panded protection to workers and other handlers of pesticide products. Employers
must now ensure that these individuals are properly trained and that necessary safety
measures are taken to protect users of these chemicals. Additionally, employers must
provide medical assistance and decontamination facilities to those who may acciden-
tally become exposed to a chemical. The Worker Protection Standards also increase the
labeling requirements for all pesticide products.
The Federal Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) was created as an amendment to
FIFRA and FFDCA in August 1996, and encompasses several major changes in both
Acts.
Under FIFRA, FQPA accomplishes the following:
« Expedites the review of safer pesticides
* Detines two new pesticide applicators: maintenance applicators and service
technicians, and provides for their training
« Divides anti-microbial pesticide control into two groups, to be supervised
by the EPA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
* Allows for emergency suspension of use of a particular pesticide when
necessary to protect the public and the environment
» Extends EPA's right to collect reregistration fees
* Provides more incentives for registering minor use pesticides
• Calls for the periodic review of pesticide registrations
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OTHER PROGRAMS 79
Pesticides
In the case of FFDCA, FQPA does the following:
* Reevaluates current pesticide tolerance standards
» Considers what other provisions should be included when setting tolerance
standards
• Makes special provisions with regard to infants and children
+ Establishes "consumer right-to-know" provisions
4 Requires endocrine disrupter screening of all chemicals
» Allows for pesticide benefits to be considered only within narrower circum-
stances than previously allowed
In the near future, Final Rule publication is expected that will address issues dealing
with the hazards of pesticide contamination of groundwater, and the killing of threat-
ened and endangered species due to the use of pesticides. States are now being encour-
aged by EPA to develop plans with the cooperation of local units of government that
will address these items. On matters dealing with the use, storage, sale, registration or
health and environmental problems relating to pesticide use, contact the Region 8 EPA
office.
Additional Information
» EPA Region 8 Pesticide Program - (303) 312-6020
« EPA Region 8 Pesticide Program website at ht_tp;/www.epa.goy/unix0008/
toxics/pests/pesthome.htnil
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Bolychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
The term "PCB" is an acronym for polychlorinated biphenyls. Due to their non-flam-
mability, chemical stability, and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were used as
dielectric fluid in various types of electrical equipment including heat transfer sys-
tems, fluorescent lamp ballasts, television sets, and numerous other kinds of electrical
appliances. PCBs were also used as plasticizers in paints, plastics and rubber products,
in pigments, dyes, carbonless copy paper and many other applications. They were sold
under various trade names, such as Aroclor, Inerteen, Pyranol, Askaral, and many
others.
However, it was discovered that PCBs are also toxic substances that are a hazard to
human health and the environment due to their persistence, bioaccumulation in the
food chain, toxicity, and delayed reproductive effects. PCBs are chlorinated hydrocar-
bons that do not occur naturally in biological systems.
Health Effects
Studies indicate that exposures to PCBs may cause cancer, nerve damage, damage to
the reproductive system, immune system suppression, liver damage, and endocrine
disruption. PCBs can enter the body through the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.
They circulate throughout the body and are stored in the body's fatty tissue. Studies
also indicate that prenatal exposure to PCBs can result in developmental abnormali-
ties. Postnatal effects, for example, learning disabilities, have been seen following expo-
sure to PCBs via breast milk.
Environmental Effects
PCBs are among the most stable organic compounds known; they remain in the envi-
ronment and bioaccumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms. Studies also indi-
cate that PCBs affect the productivity of phytoplankton and the composition of phy-
toplankton communities; phytoplankton are the foundation of the ocean food chain
and are the major source of oxygen in the atmosphere.
The transfer of PCBs up the food chain from phytoplankton to invertebrates, fish,
bird, and mammals can result in human exposure through consumption of PCB-con-
taining food sources. The consumption of PCB-contaminated fish is a major source of
human exposure.
In addition, virtually every municipality and utility in the U.S. is, or has been, in
possession of equipment containing PCBs. Manufacturers and servicers inadvertently
introduced PCBs into a large proportion of the mineral oil-filled electrical equipment
in use prior to July 2,1978 (the publication date of the first PCB regulations), primarily
through mixing PCBs and mineral oil during servicing operations.
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PCBs
81
Federal Regulation of PCBs
Concerned about industrial chemical toxicity and persistence in the environment, Con-
gress enacted the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (Public Law 94-469, October 11,
1976), which included prohibitions on the manufacture, processing, and distribution in
commerce of PCBs. Under TSCA, Congress mandated the regulation of PCBs from
manufacture to disposal, or from "cradle to grave" throughout the U.S.
Under Section 6(e), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was required to promul-
gate rules for marking, storing and disposing of PCBs. On June 1998, the Agency
published the Final Rule, providing many major changes in the disposal of PCBs.
Although TSCA prohibited further manufacture, processing and distribution of PCBs,
many products containing PCBs are still in use (i.e. PCB-containing equipment). EPA
intends to allow these uses to continue as long as the equipment is properly monitored
and maintained. Dielectric fluid less than 50 parts per million (ppm) PCB is consid-
ered "non-PCB," but disposal according to regulations is required. These fluids may not
be used for any purpose except that they may be burned in specified industrial fur-
naces and space heaters. Fluid containing more than 50 ppm PCB is regulated for use
and disposal.
Additional Information
* PCB Regulations: Title 40 CFR, Part 761
PCB Q> A Manual, 1994 edition. U.S. EPA, Office of Pollution Prevention
and Toxics, Chemical Management Division, Operations Branch
US. EPA Region 8 contacts:
(800) 227-8917 for the Information Center
(303) 312-6027 or (303) 312-6036 for Technical Assistance
(303) 312-6973 for Enforcement
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Community-Based Environmental
Protection
i^^
As a nation, we have made significant progress over the past 25 years in reducing
pollution. During that time the EPA has used regulatory standards to reduce pollution
from specific sources. Unfortunately, many environmental problems cannot be solved
with regulations alone. These problems, such as pollution from automobiles, and run-
off from roads, can have serious environmental impacts, and solving them usually
requires a different approach.
Community-Based Environmental Protection (CBEP) offers an alternative process to
use in solving diverse environmental problems. CBEP assumes that local people have
the greatest capacity and need to protect the air, water, soil, and other resources of
their communities. Efforts to protect a specific component of the environment may
be organized around a neighborhood, town, city, or region, depending on the environ-
mental issues and the desires of the community. For CBEP to be successful, the people
involved must have a common interest in protecting shared natural resources and
quality of life. CBEP integrates environmental, economic, and social goals at the com-
munity level.
Key elements of CBEP
» Geographic Focus - For EPA, CBEP involves reaching out to communities,
nurturing the formation of community groups while listening to the di-
verse viewpoints oi local people.
* Emphasis on Environmental Results - Rather than focusing on individual
facilities, CBEP is concerned with overall environmental improvements
and trends in a particular area.
» Partnerships and Local Involvement - CBEP partnerships may include con-
cerned citizens, government, industry, agriculture, mining, recreation, and
others.
The EPA can hetp with:
« Partnership development » Technical and financial support
« Information on regulations « Information source
» Facilitation and mediation * Project leadership
Additional Information
• EPA Region 8 Ecosystem Protection Program (800) 227-8917 or (303) 312-
6342
« EPA Region 8 Community-Based Environmental Protection Program website
at httpi/www.epa.gov/rggionOS^trgss/cbepycbepJitml
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Environmental Justice
What is Environmental Justice?
Environmental Justice is the concept of focusing attention on the environmental and
human health conditions in minority communities and low-income communities in
an effort to ensure a quality environment for all citizens, regardless of race, ethnicity,
or other socioeconomic factors. It is also concerned with promoting nondiscrimina-
tion among low-income and minority communities to ensure access to public informa-
tion on, and public participation in matters relating to human health and the environ-
ment.
EPA's Environmental Justice Program
On February 11, 1994, the President signed Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to
Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Loiu-Income Populations,
This order is designed to focus federal attention on these populations and to achieve
environmental justice.
EPA's response to this Executive Order was to develop its Environmental Justice pro-
gram. It works to prevent minority and low-income communities from being subject
to disproportionately high adverse environmental effects from activities such as land-
fills, toxic dumps, oil refineries, and highway construction.
EPA's Environmental Justice program promotes nondiscrimination in Federal programs
that substantially affect human health and the environment and advances certain
provisions in existing laws that can help ensure that all individuals and communities
across the nation live in a safe and healthful environment.
How can the Environmental Justice program benefit my community?
The Environmental Justice program provides a number of services to assist communi-
ties in addressing local environmental problems. These services include:
» Raising awareness of Environmental Justice issues;
* Identifying, assessing, addressing, and responding to inequitable environ-
mental impacts;
* Holding public meetings to receive public comments on local environmen-
tal protection activities;
« Communicating with the public about opportunities for involvement with
environmental decision-making;
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84 OTHER PROGRAMS
Environmental Justice
» Providing information about EPA activities;
» Providing funding to community groups to address environmental justice
issues.
Environmental Justice Funding Opportunities
The Environmental Justice Grants program provides financial assistance to commu-
nity-based and other non-profit organizations, as well as state, local, and tribal govern-
ments to work on Environmental Justice projects.
To assist communities and groups in understanding and applying for Environmental
Justice Grants, the Region 8 Environmental Justice program provides workshops both
at the Regional office in Denver and on-site, at the request of states or municipalities.
Additional Information
» EPA Region 8 Environmental Justice Program (303) 312-6053
» Environmental Justice Bibliography includes listings of websites, books, and
journals specific to Environmental Justice and also includes lists of materi-
als specific to Environmental Justice issues affecting Tribes and Latino com-
munities.
• The Resource Conservation Recovery Act's (RCRA) Expanded Public Partici-
pation Rule. This brochure explains the Expanded Public Participation Rule.
• Brochure on the Model Plan for Public Participation. Developed by the
National Environmental Justice Advisory Council as a guide for any orga-
nization or agency that addresses public participation.
* EPA Environmental Justice Strategy. This publication highlights the goals,
principles and objectives of the Executive Order on Environmental Justice.
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OTHER PROGRAMS
Tribal Assistance
The American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO) of the EPA coordinates the Agency-
wide effort to strengthen public health and environmental protection in Indian Coun-
try throughout the United States. The AIEO places a special emphasis on building
tribal capacity to administer its own environmental programs. AIEO also oversees
development and implementation of the Agency's Indian policy and strives to ensure
that all EPA Headquarters and Regional offices implement EPA's Indian program in a
manner consistent with the Agency's established policy of working with tribes on a
government-to-government basis.
The EPA Region 8 Tribal Assistance Program (TAP) office was created in 1995 in re-
sponse to expanding tribal environmental protection and remediation needs and to
fulfill the overall commitment to Indian tribes required by the Trust relationship and
established in EPA policy. The TAP office serves as a first point of contact for tribes
seeking delegation of Federal environmental programs and financial and technical
assistance relating to the development of tribal environmental programs. The TAP also
provides a coordination point for tribal environmental issues among EPA staff, tribal
representatives, and the public.
Services Provided
The Tribal Assistance Program serves the needs of Indian tribes through grants man-
agement, training and technical assistance, and coordination of services with other
groups.
Additional Information
* EPA Region 8 Tribal Assistance Program (800) 227-8917
» EPA Region 8 Tribal Assistance Program website at http:/www.epa.gov/
region08/coop/tribe/tap.html
* EPA Headquarters Tribal website at http:/www.epa.gov/indian
* EPA Region 8 Policy for Environmental Protection in Indian Country (March
14, 1996)
» Announcement of Action for Strengthening EPA Tribal Operations (Memo-
randum from EPA Administrator July 14, 1994)
* Government-to-Government Relation with Native American Tribal Gov-
ernment (Memorandum from the President, April 19, 1994)
* EPA/State/Tribal Relations (Memorandum from EPA Administrator, July
10, 1991)
* EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian
Reservations (Memorandum from the EPA Administrator, November 8,
1994)
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
D
Anti-degradation - A provision in the air and water quality laws that prohibits deterio-
ration of air or water quality in areas where the pollution levels are presently below
those allowed.
Antimicrobial - An agent that kills microbes.
Asbestosis - A chronic disease of the lungs which makes breathing progressively more
difficult and can lead to death.
Bioaccumulation - The tendency for substances to increase in concentration in living
organisms as they take in contaminated air, water, or food because the substances are
very slowly metabolized or excreted.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) - A measure ot the amount of oxygen consumed
in the biological processes that break down organic matter in water. The greater the
BOD, the greater the degree of pollution.
Coliform Organisms - Microorganisms found in the intestinal tract of humans and
animals. Their presence in water indicates fecal pollution and potentially adverse con-
tamination by pathogens.
Delegation - With reference to Indian tribes: Delegation of authority to a tribe to
administer its own environmental programs, upon approval by EPA, just as a state
does.
Designated Beneficial Use - Desirable uses that water quality should support (e.g.,
drinking water, recreation, aquatic life). Each designated use has a unique set of water
quality requirements that must be met for the use to be realized.
Dielectric - Any substance or medium that transmits the electric force by a process
different from conduction, as in the phenomena of induction; a nonconductor.
Endocrine Disrupter - Any chemical that can disrupt the hormones in people.
Friable Asbestos - Any material containing more than one-percent asbestos and that
can be crushed, pulverized, or reduced to powder by normal hand pressure.
Giardia Lamblia - Protozoan in the feces of humans and animals that can cause severe
gastrointestinal ailments. It is a common contaminant in surface water.
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GLOSSARY i 87
Hazardous Waste - Byproducts of society that can pose a substantial or potential haz-
ard to human health or the environment when improperly managed. Possesses at least
one of four characteristics (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity), or appears on
special EPA lists.
Mesothelioma - A cancer of the chest and abdominal membranes; is exclusively linked
to asbestos exposure.
Mkronutrient - A nutrient found in relatively small amounts (<100 mg/kg) in plants.
Municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s):
Large - serving a population of more than 250,000
Medium - serving a population of 100,000 to 250,000
Small - serving a population of fewer than 100,000
Non-Community Water System - A public water system that is not a community
water system; e.g., the water supply at a campsite or national park.
Non-Point Sources (NPS) - Diffuse pollution sources (i.e., sources without a single
point of origin; not introduced into a receiving stream from a specific outlet). Ex-
amples: agriculture, construction, city streets,
Non-Transient Non-Community Water System - A public water system that regularly
serves at least 25 of the same non-resident persons per day for more than six months per
year.
Organic - Referring to or derived from living organisms. In chemistry, any compound
containing carbon.
Organic Matter - Carbonaceous waste contained in plant or animal matter and origi-
nating from domestic or industrial sources.
Pesticide Benefits - The economic and social benefits of the pesticide.
Pesticide Tolerance - The amount of pesticide residue allowed by law to remain in or
on a harvested crop. EPA sets these levels well below the point where the compounds
might be harmful to consumers.
Pollutant - Generally, any substance introduced into the environment that adversely
affects the usefulness of a resource or the health of humans, animals, or ecosystems.
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88 GLOSSARY
Primacy (State) - Having the primary responsibility for administering and enforcing
regulations.
Primary Treatment - The first stage in wastewater treatment, in which substantially
all floating or settleable solids are mechanically removed by screening and sedimen-
tation.
Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) - A waste treatment works owned by a
state, unit of local government, or Indian tribe, usually designed to treat domestic
wastewaters.
Receiving Water - A river, lake, stream, ocean or other watercourse into which waste-
water or treated effluent is discharged.
Registration - Formal listing with EPA of a new pesticide before it can be sold or
distributed.
Reregistration - The reevaluation and relicensing of existing pesticides originally
registered prior to current scientihc and regulatory standards. EPA reregisters pesti-
cides through its Registration Standards Program.
Response Action - Generic term for actions taken in response to actual or potential
health-threatening environmental events such as spills, sudden releases, and asbestos
abatement/management problems.
Septage - The liquid and solid material pumped from a septic tank, cesspool, or
similar domestic sewage treatment system, or a holding tank when the system is
cleaned or maintained.
Secondary Treatment - The second step in most publicly owned waste treatment
systems in which bacteria consume the organic parts of the waste. It is accomplished
by bringing together waste, bacteria, and oxygen in trickling filters or in the activated
sludge process. This treatment removes floating and settleable solids and about 90
percent of the oxygen-demanding substances and suspended solids. Disinfection is
the final stage of secondary treatment. (See primary and tertiary treatment)
Small Community - A unit of local government with a population of 5,000 or less.
Stabilization Pond/Lagoon - A shallow pond where sunlight, bacterial action, and
oxygen work to purify wastewater.
Storm Water Facility (Storm Sewer) - A system of pipes (separate from sanitary
image:
GLOSSARY 89
sewers) that carries water runoff from buildings and land surfaces.
Suspended Solids - Small particles of solid pollutants that float on the surface of, or
are suspended in, sewage or other liquids. They resist separation by conventional means.
Tertiary Treatment - Waste water treatment beyond the secondary or biological state
that includes removal of nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen and a high per-
centage of suspended solids.
Toxic Waste -A waste that can produce injury if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through
the skin.
Treated Wastewater - Wastewater that has been subjected to one or more physical,
chemical, and biological processes to reduce its potential of being a health hazard.
Uncontrolled Sanitary Landfill - A landfill or open dump, whether in operation or
closed, that does not meet the requirements for run-on and run-off controls established
pursuant to Subtitle D of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
image:
RESOURCES
State
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
U.S.Em
Air
Air Pollution Control Division
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
G03) 692-3100
Air & Waste Management Bureau
Dept. of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406)444-3454
Div. of Env. Engineering
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5202
Air Quality Program
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pterre.SD 57501-3181
(605)773-3351
Division of Air Quality
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144820
Salt Lake City. UT 84114-4820
(801)536-4000
Air Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschter Building
122 West 25^ Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307)777-7391
U.S.EPA(8P-AR)
999 18r Street, Suite 500
Denver. CO 80202-2466
003)312-6004
RCRA/Hazardous Waste
Solid Waste & Incident Mgmt. Sect.
Dept. of Pubiic Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303)692-3300
Solid & Hazardous Waste Bureau
Dept, of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406)444-3490
Division of Waste Management
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5166
Division of Environmental Regulations
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605)773-3153
Div. of Solid & Hazardous Waste
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144880
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4880
(801)538-6170
Solid Waste Program
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4W Floor
122 West 251f Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
C307) 777-7752
US.EPA(SP-HW)
999 18!" Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(800)227-8917/6403
Waste Minimization Program
(303)312-6403
Hotline
(800)424-9346
image:
RESOURCES 91
State
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
U.S. EPA
Solid Waste
Solid Waste & Incident Mgmt. Section
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
003)692-3445
Permitting & Compliance Division
Department of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, Montana 59620-0901
(406) 444-2409
Division of Waste Management
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
{701)328-5163
Office of Waste Management
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Ptefre,SD 57501-3181
(605)773-3153
Division of Solid & Hazardous Waste
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144880
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4880
(801)538-6170
Solid & Hazardous Waste Division
Department of Environmental Quality
250 Lincoln Street
Lander, WY 82520
(307) 332-6924
U.S.EPA{8P-HW)
999 18!n Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-7008
Recycling
Office of Energy Conservation
1675 Broadway, Suite 1300
Denver, CO 80202-4613
(303) 620-4292
Planning, Assistance & Prevention Division
Department of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, Montana 59620-0901
(406)444-5307
Division of Waste Management
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5266
Office of Waste Management
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605)773-5027
Division of Solid & Hazardous Waste
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144810
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4810
(801)536-4477
Solid & Hazardous Waste Division
Department of Environmental Quality
2 50 Lincoln Street
Lander, WY 82520
(307) 332-6924
U.S.EPA(8P-P3T)
999 18>h Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6193/6099
image:
92 j RESOURCES
State
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
U.S. EPA
Underground Storage Tanks
State Oil Inspection Office
Tower 3
1515 Arapahoe Street, Suite 600
Denver, CO 80202
603) 620-4300
UST Coordinator
Dept. of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406)444-5970
UST Coordinator
Division of Waste Management
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, NO 58506-5520
{701)328-5166
UST Coordinator
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605)773-5054
UST Branch Manager
Div. of Env. Response Remediation
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144810
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4810
(801)536-4100
UST Coordinator
Water Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschter Building, 4m Floor
122 West 25* Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307)777-7096
U,S,EPA(8P-W-GW)
999 18* Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-3168
Water Quality Standards
Water Quality Control Division
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303)692-3500
Water Quality Division
Dept, of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-2406
Division of Water Quality
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5210
Division of Water Resources Mgmt.
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre,SD 57501-3181
(605)773-3153
Division of Water Quality
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801) 538-6146
Water Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4tn Floor
122 West 2 5* Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
£307) 777-7072
U.S.EPA(8EPR-EP)
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6943
image:
RESOURCES 93
State
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
U.S. EPA
Wetlands Protection
Dept. of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman St., Room 718
Denver, CO 80203
(303)866-4901
Wetlands Program/Water Quality Bureau
Dept. of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-2406
North Dakota Water Commission
900 East Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58505-0850
(701) 328-4940
Dept. of Agriculture/Wetlands Program
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-4432
Governor's Office Planning & Budget
State Capitol .Room 116
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801)538-1548
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4th Floor
122 West 25tR Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307)777-7081
U.S. EPA (8EPR-EP)
999 18tn Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6340
Public Outreach
(303)312-6056
Non-Point Source
Water Quality Control Division
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303)692-3512/5385
Water Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406)444-5319/5317
Division of Water Quality
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5232
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
52 3 East Capitol
Pierre,SD 57501-3181
(605)773-4254/2813
Division of Water Quality
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801)538-6146/7177
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4th Floor
122 West 25* Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-5622/7079
U.S. EPA (8EPR-EP)
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6835/6237
Hotline
(800)832-7828
(800)227-9441
image:
94 i RESOURCES
State
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
U.S, EPA
Drinking Water
Water Quality Protection Section
Dept of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303)692-3500
Public Water Supply Section
Dept. of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-4400
U.S.EPA{8MO)
Federal Office Building
Drawer 10096, 301 S. Park
Helena, MT 59626-0096
(406)441-1140
Drinking Water Program
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5210
Office of Drinking Water
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605)773-3754
Division of Drinking Water
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, ITT 84114-4870
(801)536-4200
(SeeLLS.EPA)
U.S.EPA(8P-W-MS)
999 18m Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6245/6812
or (800) 227-8917
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Water Quality Control Division
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
003)692-3554
Technical and Financial Assistance Bureau
Dept. of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406)444-5325
Division of Municipal Facilities
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5211
Water and Waste Funding Assistance
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-4216
Division of Drinking Water/Engr'g Section
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144830
Salt Lake City, LTT 84114-4830
(801) 536-4197
Office of State Lands and Investments
Herschter Building
122 West 25* Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307)777-7331
U.S.EPA(8P-W-MS)
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6347
Hotline
(800)426-4791
image:
RESOURCES I 95
State
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
U.S. EPA
Capacity Development
Water Quality Protection Section
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
C303) 692-3500
Public Water Supply Section
Dept. of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-4400
Drinking Water Program
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5210
Office of Drinking Water
Dept. o1 Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605)773-3754
Division of Drinking Water
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, LTT 84114-4870
(801) 536-4200
Water Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4th Floor
122 West 25ltl Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
{307)777-7781
U.S.EPA(8P-W-MS)
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6270
Injection Wells
Shallow Injection Wells
(See U.S. EPA)
LJ.S,EPA(8MO)
Federal Office Building
Drawer 10096, 30 IS. Park
Helena, MT 59626-0096
(406)441-1140
Water Quality Division
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5210
(See U.S. EPA)
Water Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801)538-6146
Water Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4th Floor
122 West 25* Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-7095
U.S.EPA(8P-W-GW)
9991 S^Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6137
Hotline
(800) 759-4372
image:
96 RESOURCES
Statg
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
US. EPA
Wellhead Protection,
Source Water Assessment &PrptectJQn
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
603)692-3500
Pollution Prevention Bureau
Department of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-4806
U.S.EPA(8MO)
Federal Office Building
Drawer 10096, 301 S. Park
Helena, MT 59626-0096
(406)44M123
Division of Water Quality
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5210
Ground Water Quality Program
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605)773-3296
Division of Drinking Water
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P. O.Boxl44830
Salt Lake City, Of 84114-4830
{801)536-4195
Water Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4^ Floor
122 West 25^ Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
607)777-5985
U.S.EPA(SP-W-GW)
999 IS''Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
003)312-6719
U.S. EPA
(202) 260-7077
Water Quality
Permits
Water Quality Protection Section
Dept. of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303)692-3598
Department of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-2406
Division of Water Quality
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
{701)328-5200
Division of Water Resources Mgt.
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605)773-3351
Division of Water Quality
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801)538-6146
Water Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 41" Floor
122 West 25^ Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
607)777-7781
U.S.EPA(8P-W-P)
999 18'" Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
603)312-6373
Hotline
(800)426-4791
image:
RESOURCES I 97
State
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
U.S. EPA
Biosolids
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
C303) 692-3613
U.S.EPA(8MO)
Federal Office Building
Drawer 10096, 301 S. Park
Helena, MT 59626-0096
(406)449-5486
(See U.S. EPA)
Division of Water Resource Mgmt.
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Fbss Building
5 23 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-3351 -Technical Assistance
Division of Water Quality
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801) 538-6146 -Technical Assistance
Water Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4m Floor
122 West 25"1 Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-7775 -Technical Assistance
U.S.EPA(8P-W-P)
999 18* Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6129
Pretreatment
(See U.S. EPA)
U.S. EPA (8MO)
Federal Office Building
Drawer 10096, 30 IS. Park
Helena, MT 59626-0096
(406)441-1140
(See U.S. EPA)
Division of Water Resource Mgmt.
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capito!
Pierre,SD 57501-3181
(605)773-3351
Division of Water Quality
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801)538-6146
(See U.S. EPA)
U.S.EPA(SP-W-P)
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6377/6373
image:
98 I RESOURCES
State
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
U.S. EPA
Storm Water
Water Quality Control Division
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
C303) 692-3500
Permitting & Compliance Division
Department of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406)444-3080
Division of Water Quality
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5210
Division of Environmental Services
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605)773-3351
Division of Water Quality
Dept, of Environmental Quality
P.O. Sox 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801)538-6146
Water Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4" Floor
122 West 25- Street
Cheyenne. WY 82002-0600
307)777-7781
U.S. EPA Region 8 (8EPR-EP)
999 18r Street, Suite 500
Denver. CO 80202-2466
303)312-6234
Water Quality State Revolving Fund
Outreach & Assistance Unit
Water Quality Control Division
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
603)692-3554
Technical & Financial Assistance Bureau
Department of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406)444-5324
Division of Municipal Facilities
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701) 328- 5220
Div. of Financial & Technical Assistance
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605)773-4216
Division of Water Quality
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801) 538-6146
Water Quality Division
Department of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4r Floor
122 West 25;r Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307)777-7781
U.S.EPA(SP-W-MS)
999 18" Street, Suite 500
Denver. CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6277
image:
RESOURCES 99
State
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
US. EPA
Pollution Prevention
Pollution Prevention Program
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303) 692-2975
Department of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-6697
Montana State University Ext. Service
300 Taylor Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717-0312
(406)994-3451
Environmental Health Section
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5150
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
52 3 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
{605)773-4216
Office of Planning & Public Affairs
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144810
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4810
(801) 536-4477
Pollution Prevention Coordinator
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building
122W.25tnStreet
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-6105
U.S.EPA(8P-P3T)
999 18* Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
003)312-6385
Air Pollution Control Division
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530
(303)692-3017
Department of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
^06)444-5263
Division of Emergency Management
State Emergency Operations Center
P.O. Box 5511
Bismarck, ND 58502-5511
(701) 328-3300 or(800) 472-2121
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre,SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-3296
Div. of Env. Response & Remediation
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144840
Salt Lake City, LJT 84114-4840
(801)536-4102
State Emergency Response Comm.
WY Emergency Management Agency
5500 Bishop Blvd.
Cheyenne, WY 82009
(307)777-4912
U.S.EPA(8EPR-SA)
999 18m Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)293-1788
Hotline
(800)227-8914
image:
100 RESOURCES
Colorado
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
U.S. EPA
Hotline
Asbestos
Air Pollution Control Division
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver; CO 80246-1530
503)692-3164
Denver Dept. of Health & Hospitals
605 Bannock Street, Room 333
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 285-4057
Air & Waste Management Bureau
Dept. of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-2690
Div. of Environmental Engineering
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
{701)328-5188
Dtv. of Environmental Regulations
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building, 523 East Capitol
Pierre. SD 57501-3181
605)773-3153
Division of Air Quality
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144820
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4820
(801)536-4173
Air Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building
122 West 25ft Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
607)777-7394
U.S.ERf\(8P-P3T)
999 18tr Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
{800)227-8917
ASHAA (Schools)
(800)462-6706
Indoor Environments/Radon
Radiation Control Division
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
003)692-3057
Dept. of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave.
P.O. Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-090
(406) 444-6768
Div. of Environmental Engineering
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck. ND 58506-5520
(701)328-5188
Div. of Environmental Regulations
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building,523 East Capitol
PierreTSD 57501-3181
605)773-3153
Division of Radiation Control
Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144850
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4850
(801) 536-4250
Department of Health
Hathaway Building, Room 486
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307)777-6015
U.S.EPA(8P-AR)
999 18th Street. Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(800)227-8917
(800) SOS-RADON
or (800) 767-7236
image:
