Everything You Wanted
to Know About
Environmental Regulations
And Related Programs....
But Were Afraid to Askl
A Guide for EPA Region 8 Small Communities
2010 Revised Edition
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US EPA
Headquarters and Chemical Libraries
EPA West Bldg Room 3340
Mailcode 3404T
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Washington DC 20004
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Repository Material
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Preface
This handbook was prepared by Region 8 Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) with small units of local government (communities) in mind. The
handbook was prepared for use by officials of such communities as a quick
reference to information on environmental regulations, related programs and
associated issues facing their constituencies Information presented in this
handbook is meant only as a summary of basic environmental 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 compliance,
Rather, it is a quick guide to the environmental regulatory and associated
programs that typically apply to most small communities.
The requirements and guidance described in this handbook are based on federal
regulations and/or guidance documents in place tn the fall of 2010 It should be
expected that some of these requirements and associated guidance documents
will change in the future. In addition to the federal requirements described here,
states and Indian tribes can adopt rules that may be different and, in some
cases, more stringent than the federal rules. Be sure to ask for and read the
rules from the appropriate agency in your area.
This handbook is intended only as a reference source. The statutory provisions
and regulations described in this document contain legally binding requirements,
but this document does not itself create any legal rights, benefits, or obligations.
EPA may deviate from any approach described in this document in a given case
if consistent with legal requirements
If your community is larger than 5,000 people, you will need, at a minimum, to
comply with the environmental regulatory requirements outlined in this guide. It
is likely that a larger community will need to meet additional requirements.
Information on these requirements can be obtained from EPA or your state
regulatory agency.
This handbook was originally developed by the Regron 8 Small Community Work
Group in association with the Midwest Assistance Program during the 1990s.
The agencies and organizations represented on the original work group included:
American Water Works Association; Colorado Department of Local Affairs;
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment; City of Fort Lupton, CO;
Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Services, National
Environmental Training Center for Small Communities; North Dakota Department
of Health; Rural Community Assistance Corporation; South Dakota Department
of Environment & Natural Resources; US Department of Agriculture, Rural
Development; US EPA Region 8; US EPA Headquarters, Washington DC; Utah
Department of Environmental Quality and Wyoming Casper College
Environmental Training Center. It was updated by EPA Region 8 in 1991, 1993
and 1999 under the direction of the Region 8 Small Community Coordinator.
This 2010 edition was a joint effort of EPA Region 8 staff.
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Table of Contents
Air Programs
Air Quality Standards and EPA's Ambient Air Monitoring Network 1
Air Toxics or Hazardous Air Pollutants 2
Clean Air Act Permits 3
Mobile Sources and Related Programs 4
Radiation and Uranium 6
Indoor Environments 7
Radon 7
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) 7
Indoor Air Pollution & Schools 8
Land Programs
Hazardous Waste 10
Municipal Solid Waste 14
Subtitle D Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Regulations 14
Reuse and Recycling 15
Underground Storage Tanks 17
Superfund 19
Brownfie/ds 20
Water Programs
Drinking Water 22
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and Federal Monitoring
Requirements 22
Maximum Contaminant and Maximum Residual Disinfectant Levels 23
Total Coliform Rule (TCR) 24
Nitrate and Nitrite 25
The Chemical Phase Rules 25
The Lead and Copper Rule 26
Radionuclides Rule 26
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule 27
Surface Water Treatment Rules 28
Ground Water Rule 29
Consumer Confidence Rule 30
Public Notification and the Public Notice Rule 3t
Capacity Development 32
Sanitary Surveys 33
Operator Certification Program 34
Injection Wells 36
Source Water Assessment and Protection 39
Water Quality Standards/Designated Use Waters 41
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Protecting Water Bodies 42
Dredge and Fill/ Section 404 Permits 42
Nonpoint Source Pollution 44
Wastewater 45
Discharge Permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) 45
Septic (Decentralized) Systems 46
Secondary Treatment of Municipal Wastewater 48
Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Use and Disposal 49
Pretreatment Requirements 51
Stormwater 53
Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program 55
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program 56
Clean Water Indian Set-Aside Grant Program 57
Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants Tribal Set-Aside Program 57
Sustainable Water / Wastewater Infrastructure 58
Other Programs
Asbestos 59
Children's Environmental Health 62
Emergency Planning & Community. 65
Right-to-Know Act 65
ENERGY STAR® 67
Environmental Justice 69
Lead 71
National Environmental Policy Act 74
Pesticides 76
Pollution Prevention 79
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) 80
School Chemical Cleanout 83
Tribal Assistance Program 85
Abbreviations 87
Glossary of Terms 89
Resources 93
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AIR PROGRAMS
Clean Air Act
Air Quality Standards and EPA's Ambient Air
Monitoring Network
The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires EPA fo set air quality standards for pollutants
considered harmful to public health and the environment. The main pollutants for
which there are air quality standards include ozone, particulate matter, sulfur
dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead.
EPA has established a network of ambient air quality monitors for use in
measuring levels of these pollutants in the air EPA then uses this information to
determine which areas of the country are attaining the air quality standards and
which areas are not. The monitor information is also used to inform the public on
a near real-time basis about the current air quality in their local area. This
information is especially important to those living in areas that do not attain one
or more of the air quality standards or those with health concerns that make them
sensitive to air pollution.
Additional Information
EPA maintains large databases to store the air quality data from the monitoring
network The public can access this information in a number of different ways by
utilizing the websites described below:
• AIRNow - Obtaining air quality information is important for planning
daily outdoor activities, especially for those who are sensitive to air
pollution. AIRNow website provides maps of current air quality
conditions and next day forecasts for hundreds of cities nationwide.
http://www.airnow.gov
• AirCompare - One of the most common questions received by EPA
related to air quality is "How does the air quality in my city compare with
other cities?" The AirCompare tool allows users to answer this question
and find other information like "What time of year has the best air
quality?" and "Is air quality improving in my area?" This information can
help people make informed decisions about moving or vacationing.
http.7Aiwww.epa.gov/aircompare
• AirExplorer - This website provides a collection of air quality analysis
tools for those seeking a more technical view of air quality monitoring
data. Users can generate maps and graphs for the pollutants and time
they specify.
http://www.epa.gov/airexplorer
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AIR PROGRAMS
Clean Air Act
Air Toxics or Hazardous Air Pollutants
Air toxics, also known as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), are pollutants that are
known or suspected to cause serious health effects such as cancer, birth defects,
and respiratory, reproductive, or neurological effects. EPA is working with state,
local, and tribal governments to reduce the release of air toxics to communities
and the environment. CAA lists 187 known HAPs. Examples of HAPs and their
sources include benzene (gasoline), perchlorethlyene (some dry cleaners), and
formaldehyde (many industries). Other listed HAPs include acrolein, dioxin,
asbestos, toluene, and metals such as manganese, mercury, chromium, and
lead compounds.
Under Section 112 of the CAA, EPA has issued over 130 rules affecting industrial
sources, such as cement plants, oil refineries, oil and gas exploration, and wood
furniture manufacturing, as well as categories of smaller sources, such as dry
cleaners, auto body refinishing, gas stations, and chromium electroplating
facilities These rules are expected to reduce air toxics emissions each year by
about 1 7 million tons. For more information about these rules go to:
http:// www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/eparules.html
According to the National Air Toxics Assessment, the majority of air toxics are
emitted from "mobile sources." These include on-road sources such as cars,
buses and trucks and non-road sources such as trains, airplanes, ships and
construction equipment.
Additional Information
• Improving Air Quality in Your Community - Communities like yours are
essential to protecting our environment and improving public health.
The following website provides ideas on what communities can do to
improve local air quality: http://www.epa gov/atr/communitv/
• Basic Air Toxics Information - This webpage provides basic information
related to air toxics, health, and ecological effects through the use of
questions and answers.
http://www epa qov/air/community/basicinfo.html
• Healthy Air: A Community and Business Leaders Guide is a collection of
non-regulatory, time-and-cost-saving ideas communities can use to
reduce toxic air pollution You can request a copy by calling (919) 541-
5514 and asking for document number EPA-453/B-05/001 or go to.
http://www.epa.qov/air/toxicair/communitv/quide.html
• The Community Toolbox - http://ctb.ku.edu/en/default.aspx
• Health Effects Notebook for Hazardous Air Pollutants -
http://www.epa.aov/ttn/atw/hlthef/hapindex.html
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AIR PROGRAMS
Clean Air Act
Clean Air Act Permits
Congress established the New Source Review (NSR) permitting program, also
known as pre-construction permitting, as part of the 1977 CAA amendments.
Congress established the Operating Permits program as part of Title V of the
1990 CAA amendments. Most NSR permits and Operating Permits are issued
by state or local air pollution control agencies. EPA is responsible for overseeing
these programs. On Indian reservations, EPA issues the permits, unless EPA
has delegated responsibility to the Indian tribe
The purpose of NSR is to ensure that air quality is not significantly degraded from
the addition of new and modified stationary sources of air pollution. In areas with
unhealthy air, NSR helps ensure that new emissions do not slow progress toward
cleaner air. The NSR program also helps ensure that any large new or modified
industrial source in your neighborhood will be as clean as possible and that
advances in pollution control occur concurrent with industrial expansion
NSR permits are legal documents by which the facility owner/operator must
abide. The permit specifies what construction is allowed, what emission limits
must be met, and often how the emissions source must be operated
The purpose of Operating Permits is to improve compliance by consolidating all
CAA requirements for an existing stationary source of air pollution into one
document. These permits are issued to all large ("major" sources) and a limited
number of smaller sources. Operating Permits include pollution control
requirements from federal or state regulations that apply to a source as well as
requirements from NSR permits that have been issued to a source
The public has an opportunity to comment on draft NSR permits and draft
Operating Permits In addition, the public may petition EPA to object to certain
Operating Permits. To learn how you can comment on NSR and Operating
Permits, contact your state or local air pollution control agency, or contact the
EPA regional office.
Additional information
• NSR permits, http://www.epa.gov/nsr
• Operating permits: http://www.epa.qov/air/oaqps/permits
• EPA Region 8 Air permitting information
http://www.eDa.Qov/reqion8/air/permittinq/index.html
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AIR PROGRAMS
Clean Air Act
Mobile Sources and Related Programs
EPA protects public health and the environment by regulating air pollution from
motor vehicles, engines and fuels, and by encouraging travel choices that
minimize fuel consumption. These "mobile sources" include cars and light
trucks, heavy trucks and buses, nonroad recreational vehicles (such as dirt bikes
and snowmobiles), farm and construction machines, lawn and garden equipment,
marine engines, aircraft, and locomotives.
The EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) has the primary
responsibility for developing the necessary requirements, regulations, and
standards. OTAQ also has direct implementation of some of the provisions,
programs and rules. For example, new car/truck manufacturers must report test
results of new vehicle emissions directly to OTAQ EPA Region 8 works directly
with states and metropolitan planning organizations to address issues with the
development of State Implementation Plans (SIP) revisions that involve
emissions of motor vehicles (e g., motor vehicle inspection and maintenance or
l/M programs, and transportation conformity determinations). The Regional
Office and OTAQ are also a source of information for questions from citizens and
regulated entities.
Additional Information
OTAQ has a number of online resources for the public, including the following:
• Overview of Pollutants and Programs - How much air pollution, air
toxics, and greenhouse gases are emitted by mobile sources, the
programs OTAQ has undertaken to control these emissions, and the
impact of those programs on air quality and climate change.
http://wwwepa.aov/otaq/transport.htm
• Consumer information - Learn what consumers can do to help reduce
air pollution. Use the Green Vehicle Guide to find the cleanest, most
fuel-efficient vehicle.
http://www.epa.gov/otaa/actions.htm
• On-Road Vehicles and Engines - Information about highway
vehicles, fuel economy, emission standards and regulations, new
vehicle certification and in-use vehicle compliance, inspection and
maintenance programs, diesel retrofit programs, and importing vehicles
and engines to the United States.
http://www.eDa.gov/otaq/hwv.htm
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AIR PROGRAMS
Clean Air Act
• Nonroad Engines, Equipment and Vehicles - Information about
aircraft, diesel boats and ships, gasoline boats and personal watercraft,
nonroad diesel equipment, forklifts, generators and compressors
(gasoline and propane), lawn and garden (small gasoline equipment),
locomotives, and snowmobiles, dirt bikes, and ATVs: emission
standards and regulations, certification and compliance, and diesel
retrofit programs.
http://www.epa.gov/nonroad
• Fuels and Fuel Additives - Information on diesel, gasoline, renewable
fuels, and alternative fuels for mobile sources, fuel-quality control
programs, requirements for registration and health effects testing of new
fuels or fuel additives, and reporting forms.
http://www.epa.qov/otaq/fuels.htrn
• Partnerships - Information about partnerships to reduce air pollution
associated with transportation and other mobile sources. These
programs include the National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC),
SmartWay, and Clean School Bus USA.
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/voluntarv.htm
• State and Local Transportation Resources - Information on the ties
between land use, transportation planning, and air quality.
http:/www.epa.qov/otaq/stateresources/index.htm
• Modeling, Testing, and Research - Information on modeling and
inventories for estimating emissions from highway vehicles, nonroad
sources, and fuels.
http://www.epa qov/otaq/research.htm
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AIR PROGRAMS
Clean Air Act
Radiation and Uranium
Radiation is natural/y occurring arid is all around us from various sources
Residents of Region 8 states often experience greater background radiation
exposure as a result of the natural uranium formations and high elevations. The
natural uranium formations also result in an increase in mining and milling of
uranium in our region. Region 8 states contain approximately 65% of the
uranium reserves in the U S. Uranium is naturally occurring and undergoes
spontaneous radioactive decay into radioactive "daughter" products until a stable
element is reached. One daughter of uranium is radon, a colorless, odorless
radioactive gas (see page 7, Radon)
To protect human health from radiation exposure, EPA regulates radioactive air
emissions from various processes under the CAA. Radionuclide National
Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs), 40 CFR Part 61,
regulate radon emissions from underground uranium mines and from uranium
byproduct impoundments at uranium mills. The standards set are a result of a
human health risk assessment conducted around 1989, the time the rules were
promulgated.
Additional Information
• EPA's role in radiation protection: http://www.epa.gov/radiation/
• Information on Radionuclide NESHAPs:
http://www.epa.gov/radiation/neshaps/index.html
• Calculate your background radiation dose:
http://www.epa.qov/rpdwebOO/understand/calculate html
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AIR PROGRAMS
Indoor Environments
Indoor Environments
Comparative risk studies performed by EPA and its Science Advisory Board have
consistently 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 limes,
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.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas given off by soils and rocks that seeps into buildings
and homes through foundations You cannot see it, smell it, taste it or feel it as
you breathe it into your lungs The U.S. Surgeon General has determined that
indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States It
is estimated that over 20,000 non-smoking persons a year get radon caused lung
cancer.
Congress enacted the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (RAA) in 1988, requiring
EPA to fund state governments to establish local and community radon programs
encouraging testing of homes, schools and commercial buildings and mitigating
for radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). EPA also evaluates radon
mitigation contractors and radon measurement labs and developed a national
proficiency exam to test the knowledge of radon contractors.
There are a number of options available to test for radon. Do-it-yourself radon
test kits can be purchased for about $25 at hardware stores or can be ordered at
a discount by calling 1-800-SOS-RADON. A certified radon tester can test your
home, building or school with a continuous radon monitor for short and long term
testing. To find a certified radon tester near you visit http.V/www neha-nrrp.orq
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 250 toxic compounds, more than 50 of
which can cause cancer, and many others of which are strong respiratory
irritants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 46,000 heart
disease deaths occur annually among nonsmokers in the US from exposure to
ETS. ETS impairs the respiratory health of hundreds of thousands of children,
including the exacerbation and increased onset of childhood asthma.
EPA is working to generate public awareness of the health risks associated with
childhood exposure to ETS in the home. As part of this public awareness work,
the Indoor Environments Program has developed the Take the Pledge education
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AIR PROGRAMS
Indoor Environments
campaign to encourage adults to smoke outdoors, away from children and family
members.
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 has developed a voluntary program called Indoor Air Quality Tools for
Schools (IAQ 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" IAQ management plan. It is designed to help
prevent indoor air quality problems from occurring and to guide schools through
quick and efficient resolution 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. IAQ TtS is a
voluntary, non 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 indoor environments for radon and implementing the IAQ TfS Action Kit.
Some states have developed radon regulations that require certification of radon
professionals, mandatory testing of all public schools and disclosure 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.
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AIR PROGRAMS
Indoor Environments
Actions your community should be taking:
Local governments can act to protect their residents from indoor air pollution in
several ways:
• Develop indoor air quality education and outreach programs
• Adopt radon-resistant building codes for new construction, encouraging
radon testing and ensuring local radon contractors are RCP listed
• Community education on the health risks associated with childhood
exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in the home
• Encourage local schools to implement the EPA's Indoor Air Quality
Tools for Schools Action Kit
• Work in conjunction with state radon and indoor air quality programs
and community organizations, such as the American Lung Association,
to elevate local attention to this important health risk
Additional Information
EPA has established a toll-free number to obtain indoor air quality information.
For general indoor air quality inquiries and to order publications, contact EPA's
Indoor Air Hotline 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 See
the listing for State Radon contacts in the Resource Section for this book
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LAND PROGRAMS
Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is generated by a wide variety of businesses and activities,
such as oil refineries, computer semi-conductors manufactures, drycleaners and
academic laboratories. A waste is identified as hazardous if it is a solid waste
that either exhibits one of four characteristics (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or
toxicity) or it is specifically listed by EPA as hazardous in the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR). Potential dangers include explosions, fires, corrosive
destruction of materials, 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 amendments to the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965. RCRA serves
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 comprehensive set of
requirements to define the materials that are subject to hazardous waste
regulation. While EPA was given the authority to set national standards and
initially conduct the program, most states have received authorization to manage
these hazardous waste programs The Act also describes the responsibilities of
anyone who generates, transports, stores, treats, or disposes of or otherwise
manages hazardous waste. Individual household wastes, many that may exhibit
some of the dangers described above, are exempt from federal RCRA hazardous
waste requirements. See Household Hazardous Waste Collection Programs
section for additional information.
In 1984, Congress enacted the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments
(HSWA) to RCRA. These rules broadened EPA's authority to address past
disposal of solid wastes at active and inactive hazardous waste management
facilities.
Currently, there are three categories of hazardous waste generators under the
RCRA program requirements:
• Large Quantity Generator (LQG) - is a facility that generates 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 would be roughly about five 55-gallon
drums of material. Acute hazardous waste is waste that contains
certain constituents that scientific studies show to be fatal to humans or
animals in low doses. A facility generating these amounts or more is
fully subject to the RCRA regulatory requirements.
• Small Quantity Generator (SQG) - is a facility that generates less than
1,000 kilograms per month of hazardous waste but more than 100
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LAND PROGRAMS
Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
kilograms per month (approximately one half of a 55-gallon drum)
Small quantity generators are given ample time to comply with newer
regulations and for on-site storage of their wastes. They are subject to
some but not all of the RCRA regulatory requirements.
• Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) - is a facility
that generates less than 100 kilograms per month of any hazardous
waste and is conditionally exempt from the RCRA regulations. These
facilities may generally dispose of their waste in accordance with state
solid waste requirements described under the RCRA Municipal Solid
Waste program in this brochure
Does the RCRA Hazardous Waste Program apply to my
community?
It is very likely that some types of materials generated by businesses or
municipal facility operations in your community would be subject to RCRA
hazardous waste regulations. For example, hazardous wastes may be
generated by vehicle repair shops, auto body repair shops and dry cleaning
facilities Wastes may include solvents, corrosives and materials containing
hazardous levels of metals (e.g., chromium, cadmium and lead). Any discarded
material must be evaluated to determine if it has been listed by EPA as a
hazardous waste or if the waste exhibits any of the following characteristics:
igm'tabifi'ty, corrosivify, reactivity or toxicity as determined by the Toxic
Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test. Procedures and criteria for
these characteristic tests are found in both federal and authorized state RCRA
regulations.
An area of possible concern for your community is the operation of trash
collection systems and/or landfills. Municipal landfills are regulated in Subtitle D
of RCRA. More information about can be found in under the "Municipal Solid
Waste Landfill Criteria" portion of this handbook Because household wastes are
exempt from RCRA regulation, many of these wastes are legally disposed of in
local landfills. However, the addition of commercially generated hazardous
wastes to a municipal landfill would be considered a form of illegal disposal and
could trigger RCRA enforcement measures by the authorized state. While the
municipal solid waste landfill regulations are intended to ensure proper
management of allowable wastes, accidental releases of hazardous constituents
to the groundwater can occur and might require some form of remedial
treatment.
Products, such as paints, cleaners, used oils, batteries, some electronics and
pesticides, can contain potentially hazardous ingredients requiring special care
when discarded These products can be corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive.
Do not dispose of household hazardous wastes by pouring them down the drain,
on the ground, or into storm sewers, or putting them out with the trash. The
dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but
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LAND PROGRAMS
Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
improper disposal of these wastes can pollute surface and groundwater and pose
a threat to human health There are better ways to dispose of these unwanted
wastes.
Household hazardous waste collection programs
Most states are authorized to implement the RCRA hazardous waste program
In cooperation with local county health officials, states sometimes arrange for
and conduct household hazardous waste collection events. If available, these
are an effective way to reduce the amount of hazardous waste entering municipal
landfills by offering citizens a safe and convenient disposal method. You should
contact your state, county or local representatives to find out if and when such
collection events are planned. For more information on household hazardous
waste please visit: http://www.epa.qov/osw/conserve/materials/hhw.htm.
Used motor or 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 your state regulatory agency or the EPA Regional
office for further information.
RCRA regulations were first put into effect in 1980 and are constantly being
amended to add new wastes that are subject to the program Once you
determine that you are a handler of hazardous waste (i.e., you generate, store or
transport it), you must notify EPA and/or the state hazardous waste office of your
activity and obtain 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 requirement to obtain a storage permit. Small quantity generators
may accumulate waste on-site for up to 180 days or, one time only, up to 6,000
kilograms.
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 would generate waste.
• Learn whether electronics recycling and household hazardous waste
collection events are available to your community
• Find non-toxic substitute products for hazardous chemicals.
• Buy the right amounts of chemicals that you need, not more.
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Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
• Try to find someone to use unwanted, unused chemicals rather than
throwing them away.
• Become familiar with industrial facilities located in your community
Understand how they are managing their dangerous and hazardous
waste.
Additional Information
• RCRA regulations are published at 40 CFR Parts 260 through 272 Part
261 defines what materials are hazardous waste and, therefore,
potentially subject to RCRA requirements
• EPA is re-defining its approach to environmental protection Rather
than focusing only on "end-of-pipe" regulatory controls, much emphasis
is now placed on pollution prevention and waste minimization of
hazardous wastes. Contact the Region 8 EPA Waste Minimization
Office at (303) 312-6403 if you would like more information on steps
EPA is taking. We welcome innovative ideas you may have for
minimizing the generation of hazardous waste
• AH states in EPA Region 8 have been approved by EPA to apply and
enforce the federal RCRA hazardous waste regulations. You may wish
to contact your state environmental agency to get more information,
including specific questions on RCRA interpretations. See the listing for
Hazardous Waste contacts in the resource section.
• Your state may also have developed pollution prevention or waste
minimization strategies, which can assist your local community See the
listing for Recycling contacts in the resource section.
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LAND PROGRAMS
Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
Municipal Solid Waste
Municipal solid waste is non-hazardous waste generated at residences,
commercial establishments and institutions.
Subtitle D Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Regulations
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 landfill management, location criteria, operations, design
requirements, groundwater monitoring and corrective action, closure and post-
closure care, and financial assurance Since Congress determined that, unlike
hazardous waste, solid waste management is primarily local in nature, EPA
regulations set general performance criteria for municipal landfills. Enforcement
and overall solid waste management is principally a state concern, once EPA has
approved state authority and regulations for the program. County and local
government entities may also have local solid waste and land use management
rules, which may affect these facilities. The latter are separate from the RCRA
regulatory requirements for municipal landfills under the Subtitle D program.
Do the Subtitle D regulations apply to my community?
The regulations apply only tf your community owns or operates a landfill.
Landfills that were closed before October 9, 1991, do not have to comply with
any of the requirements of the regulations. Landfills that stopped receiving solid
wastes before October 9, 1993, need comply only with the final cover
requirements under closure. Landfills operating on or after October 9, 1993,
must comply with all of the requirements. Regardless of these federal
regulations, landfill owners and operators must still comply with afl state and local
landfill and land use restrictions.
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 portions of Subtitle D, if certain
requirements are met. 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
precipitation annually
• The community has no other practicable solid waste disposal
alternative.
Communities should contact their state regulatory officials to determine their
eligibility for this exemption. All six states in Region 8 have received solid waste
program approval. States with solid waste permitting programs approved by
EPA may be more flexible in implementing these regulations.
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LAND PROGRAMS
Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
Reuse and Recycling
Every day each individual produces an average 4.5 pounds of trash. This can
include household garbage and kitchen scraps, glass and plastic containers,
packaging and paper products, etc. Recycling and composting can reduce
household waste dramatically, and it has never been easier to do!
Local communities, businesses and individuals can do their part in dramatically
reducing the types and volumes of waste ending up in landfills. Even small
communities can have recycling programs, and many recycling services are now
"single stream" (no sorting of recyclables). For more information on how to set
up a local recycling program, please contact your state or local recycling office.
A list of state recycling contacts is provided in the Resources Section of this
handbook for your convenience.
Composting organic materials like kitchen scraps is easy and can be done in any
backyard. By diverting recyclable and compostable waste from your household
trash, you'll be amazed how little trash you really have. These actions will
conserve limited landfill space and reduce your environmental footprint For
more information on recycling and composting please visit this site.
http://www. epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/index. htm.
Electronics Recycling & the CRT Rule
The use of electronic products has grown substantially over the past two
decades. Because electronics are prevalent in our daily lives, EPA is working to
educate consumers on why it is important to reuse and recycle electronics and
what the safe options are for reusing, recycling or disposing of these products.
For example, electronics can have internal components that may contain
materials, such as lead and heavy metals, which are harmful to human heath and
the environment if not handled properly
Reuse is the environmentally preferred alternative and it benefits society. Reuse
is when you pass on computers, cell phones and other electronics to new users.
Donating used electronics for reuse extends the lives of valuable products and
maximizes the benefits from the energy and resources that went into making the
products. Schools, nonprofit organizations and low-income families can use
such donations to obtain electronics that they otherwise could not afford
When donation for reuse or repair is not a viable option, households and
businesses should recycle their used electronics. Recyclers recover more than
100 million pounds of materials from electronics each year. Recycling
electronics also saves precious materials that would otherwise have to be mined
or extracted from the earth. Saving these materials also prevents additional
pollution from being added to our soil, air and water. In 2007, the U S recycled
414,000 tons of electronics; this resulted in greenhouse gas reductions equal to
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LAND PROGRAMS
Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
178,000 passenger vehicles and an energy savings equal to 140 million gallons
of gasoline!
Since it is important to recycle your electronics properly, use a responsible
recycler that recycles electronics safely, legally and ethically. Please visit EPA's
website to determine where you can properly donate/recycle your electronic
equipment: http://www.epa.qov/osw/conserve/materials/ecyclinq/donate.htm.
Commercial electronics recyclers should be aware of the Cathode Ray Tube
(CRT) Rule requirements which affect how older TVs can be recycled This rule
will help increase the collection, reuse, and recycling of CRTs. Please see this
link to EPA'S website on the CRT Rule for more information:
http://www.epa.qov/osw/hazard/recvclina/electron/index.htm.
Properly eliminating household hazardous waste and recycling potentially
hazardous electronic equipment such as discarded TVs and computer CRTs are
other positive steps you can take in reducing the solid waste landfill burden
Actions your community should be taking:
• Learn what impact Subtitle D solid waste regulations have on your local
landfill and community
• Become familiar with any state, county or local rules (including those of
the landfill operation itself). The last could include certain restrictions on
which wastes will be accepted at the landfill.
• 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
includes 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 & 258
• EPA Region 8 Solid Waste Office: (303) 312-7008
• EPA Region 8 Solid Waste website:
http://www.epa.gov/reaion8/land waste/index.html
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LAND PROGRAMS
Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
Underground Storage Tanks
What is an Underground Storage Tank?
An Underground Storage Tank (UST) is any tank, or series of tanks and
connecting piping, that contains a regulated substance in which at least 10
percent of the volume is underground,
USTs were first regulated under 1984 amendments to RCRA that created a
federal program to regulate USTs containing petroleum and hazardous
chemicals to limit corrosion and structural defects and thus, minimize future tank
leaks Additional amendments in 1986, 2005 and 2009 added enforcement
provisions, authorization for EPA response to spill and leaks and created the
Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund
Do the UST regulations apply to my community?
Yes, if an UST is storing either petroleum or certain hazardous chemicals, and it
fits the UST definitions Most communities have USTs covered by these
regulations, for example, gas stations and convenience stores
Do the UST regulations apply to all USTs?
No, some exclusions:
• Farm or residential tanks holding 1,100 gallons or less of motor fuel
used for noncommercial purposes
• Tanks storing heating oit which is used on-site
• Emergency spill or overflow 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, tunnet or vault
• Field-constructed tanks
If the UST regulations do apply, what must the owner do?
• Equip the UST with a device that prevents spills and overfills
• Protect the tank and piping from corrosion or structural failure
• Equip the tank and piping with leak detection devices
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LAND PROGRAMS
Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
• Verify that the stored contents are compatible with the UST system (e.g.
the tank's interior waits).
• Maintain proper UST compliance documents and monitoring records.
• Be financially responsible for the cost of cleaning up a leak or
compensating other people for bodily injury and property damage
caused by a leaking UST
I own tanks to which the regulations apply, but I'm not using them;
what should I do?
Tanks that meet the current UST regulations for your state can be temporarily or
permanently closed Check with your state agency for closure requirements. For
permanent closure, tanks must be emptied, cleaned, and possibly removed.
USTs that do not meet the current UST regulations for your state must be
permanently closed. If closure is necessary, you must notify the state agency at
least 30 days before you close your UST
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 authority will
decide if you must take further action
Assume financial responsibility for taking corrective measures and compensating
individuals who are harmed by leaks or spills from USTs that store petroleum
products.
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 in Indian country, check with EPA for reporting and
closure requirements. If your UST leaks or has a spill of over 25 gallons, it must
be reported to your state agency or, if you are on in Indian country, to EPA within
24 hours of occurrence.
Additional Information
• "Musts for USTs: A Summary of the New Regulation for Underground
Storage Tank Systems," U.S. 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/
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LAND PROGRAMS
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation &Liability Act
Superfund
As the 1970s came to a close, a series of events gave Americans a look at the
dangers of dumping industrial and urban wastes The abandoned chemicals
near the Love Canal community in New York and the Valley of the Drums in
Kentucky called the nation s attention to the threat posed by abandoned
hazardous substances It became increasingly clear that there were large
volumes of abandoned hazardous substances festering throughout the U S that
were not subject to existing environmental 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, abandoned hazardous substances have
surfaced in every part of the United States. It wasn't just the land that was
contaminated 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 EPA began looking. Congress directed
EPA to establish a list of sites to target for cleanup based on the severity of the
hazardous waste problem. Out of this process came the National Priorities List
(NPL). In 2010, there were 1277 sites on the NPL undergoing or awaiting
cleanup and another 61 sites being proposed. EPA also had completed cleanup
construction at 514 of the sites, with 174 of them now deleted from the final NPL
The Superfund program aims to prevent, stabilize, eliminate or reduce the effects
of a release or threat of a release of hazardous substances into the environment.
Such releases might occur at tire disposal site fires or transportation accidents
involving a spill of hazardous chemicals Abandoned hazardous substances that
might threaten people's health or the environment also may be found at
abandoned mining sites, hazardous waste landfills or industrial properties
While EPA's job is to analyze 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 directly affected by the wastes and
cleanup processes, EPA encourages citizens to get involved in cleanup
decisions.
Additional Information:
• EPA Region 8 Superfund Public Liaison (303) 312-6600
• National EPA Superfund website: http.//www epa.gov/superfund/
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LAND PROGRAMS
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation & Liability Act
Brownfields
What are Brownfields?
Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which
may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous
substance, pollutant, or contaminant. While the specific make-up of each
property varies, they alt have actual or perceived contamination and reuse
potential.
Brownfields Laws and Statutes
On January 11, 2002, President Bush signed the Small Business Liability Relief
and Brownfields Revitalization Act ("the Brownfields Law"). The Brownfields Law
amended CERCLA by providing funds to assess and clean up brownfields;
clarified CERCLA liability protections; and provided funds to enhance state and
tribal response programs. Other related laws and regulations impact brownfields
cleanup and reuse through financial incentives and regulatory requirements.
For further information on laws and regulations that impact brownfields cleanup
and reuse through financial incentives and regulatory requirements go to:
http://www.epa.qov/brownfields/laws/index.htm.
Region 8 Brownfields
Region 8's Brownfields Program provides funds and technical assistance to
states, tribes, communities, and other stakeholders to clean up and redevelop
potentially contaminated lands in the Rocky Mountain region, making it easier for
such lands to become vital, functioning parts of their communities. More
information about Region 8's Brownfields program is available online at:
http://www.epa.gov/reqion8/brownfields
Brownfields Grants
Assessment Grants
Tribal, state, and local governments are eligible to apply for funding to inventory,
assess, and conduct planning and community involvement activities related to
Brownfield sites. Individual applicants may apply for $200,000 to address
hazardous substance sites, plus another $200,000 to address petroleum sites.
Applicants may request a waiver of the $200,000 limit and request up to
$350,000. Coalitions of three or more governments can receive up to $1 million.
For more information and proposal guideiines visit:
http://www.epa.qov/brownfields/applicat.htm
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LAND PROGRAMS
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation & Liability Act
Cleanup Grants
Tribal, state, and local governments and nonprofit organizations are eligible to
apply for funding to clean up Brownfields sites Grants of up to $200,000 per site
are available, for a maximum of five sites. The applicant must own the property,
and a 20% match is required For more information and proposal guidelines visit
Mp./Avww epa.ciov/brownfields/apDiicat.htm
Revolving Loan Fund Grants
Tribal, state, and local governments are eligible to apply for funds to capitalize a
revolving loan fund and to provide sub grants to conduct cleanup activities. Up to
$1,000,000 is available per applicant. Repaid loan funds can be used to make
additional cleanup loans. A 20% match is required. For more information and
proposal guidelines visit http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm.
Job Training Grants
Colleges, universities, nonprofit job training centers, local governments, and
tribes are eligible to apply for funding to train residents living near Brownfields
sites for future employment in the environmental field. Up to $300,000 is
available per applicant For more information and proposal guidelines visit
http://wwwepa.qov/brownfields/applicathtm
Other Assistance
State and Tribal Assistance Programs
State and Tribal Programs play a significant role in cleaning up brownfields. EPA
provides financial assistance to states and tribes to establish or enhance
programs that address the assessment, cleanup and redevelopment of
Brownfields.
Targeted Brownfields Assessments
A Targeted Brownfields Assessment is an environmental investigation designed
to document environmental conditions at a property under consideration for
redevelopment. EPA can provide communities and nonprofit organizations with
environmental assessment services at Brownfields properties with
redevelopment potential. For more information and TBA applications go to
http://www.epa.qov/reqion8/brownfields/tba.html.
More information about Region 8's Brownfields program, including laws, grants
and contact information, is available online at:
http://www.epa qov/reqion8/brownfields.
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WATER PROGRAMS
Safe Drinking Water Act
Drinking Water
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was passed to protect the quality of
drinking water in the U.S. This law regulates waters actually or potentially
designed for drinking use, whether from surface water or underground sources.
SDWA authorizes EPA to establish minimum standards to protect drinking water
and requires all owners or operators of public water systems (PWS) to comply
with these primary heaith-related standards. A PWS is defined as a water
system that has at least 15 service connections or serves at least 25 people per
day for 60 days of the year There are currently more than 170,000 PWSs
providing water to almost all Americans at some time in their lives.
SDWA allows States to seek EPA approval to administer and enforce their own
public water system supervision (PWSS) programs The authority to run a
PWSS, or drinking water program, is called primacy. In EPA Region 8, Colorado,
Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah have primacy. Wyoming is the
only state in the nation that does not have primacy. Region 8 EPA, in
cooperation with Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, implements
and enforces the SDWA in Wyoming. EPA Region 8 also is the primacy agency
for all the Tribes in the Region.
SDWA was amended in 1986 and 1996. Besides these major statutory changes,
regulations under SDWA are adopted every few years to protect the public from
emerging contaminants and reflect best monitoring/treatment practices. The best
way to keep up-to-date on current and future regulations is to contact your State
Drinking Water Program. Drinking water directly affects public health in your
community and the PWS has the ultimate responsibility and liability for its safety.
The 10 percent of Americans whose water comes from private wells (individual
wells serving less than 25 people) are not required to be protected by these
federal standards Although some states do set private well standards, generally
people with private wells are responsible for making sure that their own drinking
water is safe For additional information, please visit
http://water.epa.qov/drink/info/well/index.cfm
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and
Federal Monitoring Requirements
EPA sets national standards for drinking water based on science to protect
against health risks, considering available technology and costs. These National
Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) set enforceable maximum
contaminant levels for particular contaminants in drinking water or required ways
to treat water to remove contaminants. Each standard also includes
requirements for water systems to test for contaminants in the water to make
sure standards are achieved. In addition to these regulations, EPA provides
guidance, assistance, and public information about drinking water, collects
drinking water data, and oversees state PWSS programs
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WATER PROGRAMS
Safe Drinking Water Act
The monitoring requirements under the NPDWR are require initial monitoring (for
new water systems or for existing systems with new water sources) at a certain
frequency, and then repeat monitoring at a reduced frequency, ff contamination
is found, then the monitoring frequency increases again Both initial and reduced
requirements may vary based on such things as the population served by the
PWS and the source of the water (surface or groundwater) that the system
utilizes.
Additionally, drinking water programs and their associated requirements vary by
state Under SDWA, state regulations must be at least as stringent as federal
regulations but some states have adopted more stringent and/or additional
requirements not mentioned in this publication.
Many states produce an annual schedule tailored to each PWS that describes
when to monitor for each of the regulated contaminants. PWSs should transfer
this schedule to a calendar at their facilities and collect the samples as early as
possible in the compliance period (week, month, quarter or year) in order to stay
in compliance with existing regulations. All communities should contact their
state regulatory agency to get detailed information on their unique monitoring
requirements.
The NPDWR are generally broken down into, and referred to by rule name. The
main contaminant monitoring rules are:
• Total Coliform Rule (TCR)
• Nitrate/Nitrite Rule
• Chemical Phase Rules (Inorganic Chemicals (lOCs), Volatile Organic
Chemicals (VOCs) and Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs))
• Lead and Copper Rule (LCR)
• Radionuclides (Rads)
• Stage 1 & 2 Disinfectant/Disinfection By-products (DBP) Rule
• Surface Water Treatment Rules(SWTRs)
• Ground Water Rule
The additional reporting requirement rules are:
• Consumer Confidence Rule (CCR)
• Public Notice Rule (PN)
Each of these rules is summarized on the following pages of this publication.
Maximum Contaminant and Maximum Residual
Disinfectant Levels
The maximum contaminant level (MCL) is the maximum permissible level of a
contaminant in water delivered to any user of a PWS. MCLs are set as close to
the health goals (known as the Maximum Contaminant Level Goals, or MCLGs)
as possible, considering cost, benefits and the ability of PWSs to detect and
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WATER PROGRAMS
Safe Drinking Water Act
remove contaminants using suitable treatment technologies Additionally, the
Disinfectant/Disinfection By-products Rule established maximum residual
disinfectant levels (MRDLs), which are similar to MCLs for disinfectants. If a
PWS exceeds a MCL or MRDL, then the water system may need to install the
best available technology (BAT) to remove the contaminant or modify its
operations to reduce the MRDLs in the water A complete listing of the MCLs
and MRDLs for all the NPDWRs is available online at
http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/
Total Coliform Rule (TCR)
Bacteria from sewage and animal wastes have presented the most frequent and
immediate health risks to public water supplies over the years. The most cost-
effective 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 £ Coli bacteria.
Fecal coliforms and E. Coli are particularly pathogenic strains of coliform
bacteria. Their presence indicates that drinking water has been contaminated
with sewage or animal {including human) wastes. Such contamination presents
an urgent health problem.
Total coliform samples must be collected at sites which are representative of
water quality throughout the distribution system according to a written sample
siting plan subject to review and revision by the primacy agency. Sampling
frequency for community PWSs is based on population. Non-community PWS
monitoring may differ according to source and population type.
The TCR 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. The monthly MCL is 5% of samples
positive for coliform for systems taking more than 5 samples per month
For systems taking less than 5 samples per month, if a sample tested 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 E. Coli are also detected in the same month as a
positive total coliform sample, the PWS has incurred an acute violation and the
PWS's water may pose an urgent public health problem. For an acute violation,
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WATER PROGRAMS
Safe Drinking Water Act
the PWS must contact the state the day the results are received and give public
notice within 24 hours.
Nitrate and Nitrite
Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units which combine with
various organic and inorganic compounds The major sources of nitrates in
drinking water are runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage;
and erosion of natural deposits Infants below six months who drink water
containing nitrate in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) could
become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die Symptoms include shortness of
breath and blue baby syndrome
EPA has set an enforceable regulation for nitrate at 10 mg/L or 10 ppm. MCLs
are set as close to the health goals as possible, considering cost, benefits and
the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants using
suitable treatment technologies In this case, the MCL equals the MCLG,
because analytical methods or treatment technology do not pose any limitation
Water systems are required to monitor for nitrate at each entry point to the
distribution system on an annual basis. If the results are greater than or equal to
50% of the nitrate MCL (i.e., 5 mg/l), increased sampling is required.
The Chemical Phase Rules
The Chemical Contaminants were regulated in phases, which are collectively
referred to as the Chemical Phase Rules. These rules regulate over 65
contaminants in three contaminant groups: Inorganic Contaminants (lOCs),
Volatile Organic Contaminants (VOCs), and Synthetic Organic Contaminants
(SOCs). The rules apply to all PWSs. PWS type, size, and water source
determine which contaminants require monitoring for that system.
The Chemical Phase rules provide public health protection through the reduction
of chronic risks from:
• cancer;
• organ damage; and
• circulatory,
• nervous, and
• reproductive system disorders.
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.
Volatile organic chemical (VOC) monitoring
New groundwater systems, surface water systems and systems with new
sources of water must take one year of quarterly samples at each entry point to
the distribution system. Sampling is done annually thereafter. Groundwater
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WATER PROGRAMS
Safe Drinking Water Act
systems can reduce monitoring after three rounds of annual monitoring with no
VOCs detected to once every three years.
Synthetic organic chemical (SOC) monitoring
New groundwater systems, surface water systems and systems with new
sources of water must take one year of quarterly samples at each entry point to
the distribution system. Sampling is done once every three years thereafter.
Unregulated 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.
The Lead and Copper Rule
The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) was designed to protect public health by
minimizing lead (Pb) and copper
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WATER PROGRAMS
Safe Drinking Water Act
radionuclides in drinking water may cause cancer. In addition, exposure to
uranium in drinking water may cause toxic effects to the kidney
The radionuclide rule was implemented to reduce the exposure to radionuclides
in drinking water. The radionuclide rule sets MCLs for the following
radionuclides:
Beta/photon emitters 4 mrem/yr
Gross alpha particle 15 pCi/L
Combined radium 226/228 5 pCi/L
Uranium 30 mg/L
Under this rule, initial monitoring requires four consecutive quarters of
monitoring. If the average of the initial monitoring results for each contaminant is
below the detection limit, one sample every 9 years is required. If the average of
the initial monitoring results for each contaminant is greater than or equal to the
detection limit, but less than or equal to one-half of the MCL, one sample is
required every 6 years. If the average of the initial monitoring results for each
contaminant is greater than one-half of the MCL but less than or equal to the
MCL, one sample is required every 3 years. Any system with a sample above
the MCL must return to quarterly sampling until 4 consecutive quarterly samples
are below the MCL.
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
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 throughout 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.
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 (DBPs). The 1996 Amendments to
the SDWA required EPA to develop rules to achieve these goals.
The Stage 1 DBP Rule is the first step of a staged set of rules reduces the
allowable levels of DBPs in drinking water to balance the risks between microbial
pathogens and disinfection byproducts Stage 1 DBP Rule applies to all
Community and Non transient Non Community systems that use a chemical
disinfectant in any part of the treatment process and to transient noncommunity
systems that use chlorine dioxide. This applies to both surface and groundwater
systems.
Stage 1 DBP Rule sets MRDLs for chlorine, chloramines, and chlorine dioxide,
and requires PWSs to monitor and control these disinfectant levels. Stage 1
DBP Rule also sets the MCLs for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Five
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WATER PROGRAMS
Safe Drinking Water Act
Haleocetic Acids (HAA5), Bromate, and Chlorite, and requires PWSs to monitor
and control levels of these common disinfection byproduct contaminants in the
distribution system The PWS must develop and implement a Stage 1 Monitoring
Plan to be kept on file for review by the PWS's primacy agency and the public.
Systems using a surface water source and serving more than 3,300 people must
submit a copy of the plan to their primacy agency for approval.
Stage 2 DBF Rule builds on the Stage 1 DBP Rule by focusing on monitoring for
and reducing concentrations of two classes of DBPs - TTHM and HAA5 - in
drinking water. The Stage 2 DBP Rule divides PWSs into 4 Schedules either
based upon PWS's service population or based on the largest service population
within the combined distribution system of wholesalers and purchasers For
information on which schedule applies to your PWS, please visit.
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesreqs/sdwa/staQe2/compliance.cfm
All PWS must develop a Stage 2 Monitoring Plan before the start of Stage 2 DBP
Rule compliance monitoring. The PWS must keep a copy of the Stage 2
Monitoring Plan on file for its primacy agency and public review. A PWS using a
surface water source and serving more than 3,300 people must submit a copy of
the Plan to its primacy agency for approval.
The Stage 2 DBP Rule also requires all community systems to complete an Initial
Distribution System Evaluation (IDSE). Community PWSs must use the results
of the IDSE in conjunction with the Stage 1 DBP Rule sampling results to
characterize and identify locations to monitor DBPs for Stage 2 DBP rule
compliance
Surface Water Treatment Rules
The surface water rules and their initial compliance dates consist of: The Surface
Water Treatment Rule (SWTR){12/30/1991); the Interim Enhanced Surface
Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR)(1/1/2002); the Filter Backwash Recycling Rule
(FBRR){6/2/2004),the Long Term One Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
(LT1)( 1/14/2005), and the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
(LT2)(10/1/2006) (collectively SWTRs). These five rules regulate systems with
raw water source(s) that are surface water or groundwater under the direct
influence of surface water (GWUDI). These rules work together to strengthen
microbial protection and to address risk trade-offs with disinfection byproducts.
These rules regulate through multiple barrier treatment techniques designed to
control acute contaminants such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia Lamblia and
viruses. They require filtration unless rigorous filtration avoidance criteria can be
continuously met. Another barrier requirement is continuous disinfection. They
also require specific periodic assessments of systems, analysis of treatment
processes and continuous monitoring to ensure that effective treatment
techniques are being maintained.
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Other requirements of the SWTRs include: Ban on constructing uncovered
finished water reservoirs and requirements to cover or treat existing ones;
disinfection profiling to ensure adequate protection against microbials while
making significant disinfection changes to comply with the DBP rules; periodic
sanitary surveys and identification of significant deficiencies; and qualified
operators to run surface water treatment systems.
LT2 is a risk based rule which requires source water monitoring Only PWSs
with high risk of Cryptosporidium in their source water will have to provide
additional levels of treatment for this microbial pathogen
Ground Water Rule
The final Ground Water Rule (GWR) was adopted by the EPA in October 2006 to
reduce the risk of exposure to fecal contamination that may be present in public
water systems that use ground water sources. The rule, which came into effect
on December 1, 2009, establishes a risk-targeted strategy to identify ground
water systems that are at high risk for fecal contamination. The GWR also
specifies when corrective action (which may include disinfection) is required to
protect consumers of ground water systems from bacteria and viruses.
The GWR applies to more than 147, 000 public water systems that use ground
water (as of 2003). The rule also applies to any system that mixes surface and
ground water if the ground water is added directly to the distribution system and
provided to consumers without treatment equivalent to surface water treatment.
In total, these systems provide drinking water to more than 100 million
consumers.
The GWR rule addresses risks through a risk-targeting approach that relies on
four major components
1. Periodic sanitary surveys of ground water systems that require the
evaluation of eight critical elements and the identification of significant
deficiencies (e.g., a well located near a leaking septic system). States
must complete the initial survey by December 31, 2012 for most
community water systems (CWSs) and by December 31, 2014 for
CWSs with outstanding performance and for all non-community water
systems.
2. Source water monitoring to test for the presence of E. co/i,
enterococci, or coliphage in the sample. There are two monitoring
provisions.
-Triggered monitoring for systems that do not already provide treatment
that achieves at least 99.99 percent (4-log) inactivation or removal of
viruses and that have a total coliform positive routine sample under
Total Coliform Rule sampling in the distribution system
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Assessment monitoring As a complement to triggered monitoring, a
State has the option to require systems, at any time, to conduct source
water assessment monitoring to help identify high risk systems.
3. Corrective actions required for any system with a significant
deficiency or source water fecal contamination. The system must
implement one or more of the following correction action options:
-correct all significant deficiencies,
-eliminate the source of contamination,
-provide an alternate source of water, or
-provide treatment which reliably achieves 99.99 percent (4-log)
inactivation or removal of viruses.
4. Compliance monitoring to ensure that treatment technology installed
to treat drinking water reliably achieves at least 99.99 percent (4-log)
inactivation or removal of viruses.
Consumer Confidence Rule
Since 1999 all community PWSs have been required to prepare annual reports
summarizing the quality of their drinking water supplies and make these reports
available to all of their customers. A community PWS is one that serves the
same people year-round. Most residences including homes, apartments and
condominiums in cities, small towns and mobile home parks are served by
community PWSs.
The Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) must be prepared and delivered for
the previous calendar year by July 1st. A certification that the report contains
accurate information and has been distributed is due to the PWS's primacy
agency by October 1sl. In Region 8, these reports are sent to the State drinking
water programs in every state except Wyoming. Wyoming reports are sent to
Region 8 EPA.
Each CCR must include the following required information:
• Information about the water system, including contact information and a
list of opportunities for the public to participate in decision affecting
water quality;
• Information about the source of water;
• Definitions of technical terms, such as MCL, MRDL , etc;
• Information on detected contaminants, including their potential health
effects,
• Required explanations about drinking water sources and the types of
possible contaminants;
• Required health information language for vulnerable populations and
lead, and
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• Any violations of the drinking wafer regulations that occurred over the
previous year.
To obtain a copy of your PWS's CCR, please contact your PWS, state drinking
water agency or EPA Region 8. Many of the reports are also available online
Public Notification and the Public Notice Rule
The Public Notice (PN) Rule was most recently revised in May 2000 The
purpose of this rule is to notify the public of situations that may pose a risk to
public health and of other drinking water violations. The PN Rule requires all
PWSs to notify their consumers any time a PWS violates a national primary
drinking water regulation or has a situation posing a risk to public health Notices
must be provided to all persons served, not just billing customers.
There are 3 tiers of PN based upon the nature or severity of health risk Tier 1
PN requires immediate notice, within 24 hours, and typically involves possible
acute health risks, including when fecal cofiform or E. coli positive samples occur,
when nitrate or nitrite MCL or chlorine dioxide MRDL are exceeded, or when a
waterborne disease outbreak, other waterborne emergency or other violation or
situation as determined by the primacy agency occur. Tier 2 PN requires notice
as soon as practical or within 30 days. It is required for all MCL, MRDL, and
treatment technique violations that do not require Tier 1 PN Tier 3 PN is
required for any other violation with notice being given within 12 months For
community PWS, inclusion of the notice in the CCR covers Tier 3 PN
Each PN must be displayed in a conspicuous way, must not include overly
technical language or very small print, must not be formatted to or include
language that defeats the purpose of the PN As a member of the public, it is
important to follow any instructions from the PWS in the notice.
Unless otherwise specified by the primacy agency, all PNs must include the
following ten elements:
• Clear explanation of the violation, including the contaminant(s) or
situation of concern;
• When the violation or situation occurred;
• Information about any potential adverse health effects;
• Information about the population at risk;
• Whether an alternative water supply should be used;
• Actions consumers should take, including when they should seek
medical help, if known;
• What the PWS is doing to correct the violation
• When the PWS expects the violation or situation to be corrected;
• A PWS contact person including name, address and phone; and
• A statement encouraging distribution of the notice to others
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The public notice must, where appropriate, be multi-lingual Each state may
have additional requirements. EPA, as well as many states, have developed
model language and templates for public notices. EPA's templates can be found
online at: htip.Z/water epa.gov/lawsreqs/rulesreqs/sdwa/publicnotification/
Capacity Development
Capacity development is an important component of SDWA's focus on
preventing problems in drinking water. It refers to the process of planning for,
achieving and maintaining adequate technical, managerial and financial (IMF)
capabilities necessary to enable PWSs to comply with applicable drinking water
standards and thus, 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 SDWA requirements. It refers to the physical infrastructure of the water
system, which encompasses source water and its treatment before consumption
as well as storage and distribution infrastructure. Technical capacity also refers
to the ability of system personnel to operate and maintain the system properly. A
system with adequate technical capacity employs a certified operator who
understands the benefits of public health protection.
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. Accountability is an essential element of
managerial capacity and ensures that a system can continue to operate
effectively. System personal are encouraged to interact regularly with the
customers and regulators.
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 requirements. The essential elements of financial capacity are revenue
sufficiency, fiscal management and controls, and credit worthiness.
Each of the three elements of capacity is intrinsically related to the others. A
deficiency in any one area could disrupt the entire effort to deliver safe drinking
water.
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.
States are also encouraged to develop and implement strategies to assist
existing PWSs in acquiring and maintaining TMF capacity If a state fails to take
either of these two steps towards building capacity, a portion of the funds made
available for the State Revolving Fund can be withheld by EPA. States may
provide assistance through the State Revolving Fund only to public water
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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
SDWA provides states the opportunity to use federal funds to assist communities
in their capacity building efforts. Each state may set aside up to ten percent of
the funds available from their Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to support the
state's capacity development program and another ten percent to provide
assistance to PWSs 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 the State Revolving Fund to fund infrastructure improvements for PWSs.
Other resources made available under SDWA are Technology Assistance
Centers (TACs) and Environmental Finance Centers {EFCs). TACs provide
training and technical assistance relating to the information, performance, and
technical needs of small public water systems EFCs are university-based
centers that provide technical assistance to State and local officials in developing
the capacity of PWSs. For more information on EPA's TACs and EFCs, visit
http.//water epa.gov/drink/index.cfm
For more information on EFC services in Region 8 call (505) 924-7028.
Sanitary Surveys
SDWA regulations define a sanitary survey as "an on-site review of the water
source, facilities, equipment, operation and maintenance of a public water
system for the purpose of evaluating the adequacy of such source, facilities,
equipment, operation and maintenance for producing and distributing safe
drinking water" (40 CFR 141,2)
Sanitary surveys have been a component of drinking water programs for
decades They are used by EPA and primacy states to collect information on
water systems, and are utilized to determine a facility's capacity to deliver
drinking water on a sustainable basis. When conducted properly, sanitary
surveys can:
• identify systems needing technical or capacity development assistance;
• reduce the risk of waterborne disease; and
• provide an opportunity to educate system operators
Most public water systems must undergo a sanitary survey at least once every
five (5) years, with most community PWSs undergoing a sanitary survey once
every three (3) years.
EPA outlines eight elements as basic components of a sanitary survey All
sanitary surveys will address these elements, if applicable:
• Water source
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• Operator compliance with state requirements
• Distribution system
• Pumps, pump facilities and controls
• Treatment and finished water storage
• Cross-connection control
• Operational safety
• Water system management and operations
If any significant deficiency identified through the sanitary survey, the PWS will
be notified by its primacy agency and requested to address it.
Operator Certification Program
In accordance with SDWA, EPA issued guidelines in February 1999 specifying
minimum standards for the certification and recertification of operators These
guidelines apply to state Operator Certification Programs. All states are currently
implementing EPA-approved operator certification programs, which include
ongoing stakeholder involvement. Contact your state for more information.
Actions your community should take
Essential components of safe drinking water include protection and prevention.
The most important action for your community to take is to monitor for
contaminants listed in NPDWRs.
General questions to ask the state
When I detect a contaminant, is a follow-up sample required?
When an MCL is exceeded, is a follow-up sample required?
What else should be done immediately when an MCL is exceeded?
Where can I get free fact sheets on these regulations?
Where can I get instructions on how to sample? Who can help me take the
sample? Can I "composite" my samples with other systems?
Are there waiver programs for any monitoring requirements?
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. See the Resource Section at the back of this handbook for contact
information.
• Region 8 Drinking Water Program: (800) 227-8917 or
http://www.epa/region8/waterops
• National SDWA Hotline: (800) 426-4791
• EPA Headquarters Water Website: http://water.epa.gov
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• American Water Works Association (AWWA): (800)926-7337 or
http://www.awwa .org
• State Rural Water Association(s) arid/or Environmental Training
Center(s): http://www.nrwa.org
• Rural Community Assistance Corporation: (916) 447-2854
• A good website for trainings and other information:
http://SmallWaterSupply.org
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Injection Wells
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 oil
or gas, or for the in-situ extracting of minerals. 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 SDWA, Congress created the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program i
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/l total dissolved solids.
The UIC program divides injection wells into six main Classes:
• Class I Wells used to inject hazardous, radioactive, industrial or
municipal wastes below the deepest USDW
• Class II - Wells used to inject fluids associated with the production of oil
and natural gas or fluids/compounds, often used for enhanced
hydrocarbon recovery
• Class III - Wells that inject fluids used in subsurface extraction of
minerals such as salts and uranium
• Class IV - Wells that dispose of hazardous or radioactive wastes into or
above a USDW (banned)
• Class V - Wells not included in the other classes; generally shallow
wells injecting nonhazardous fluid into or above a USDW. Shallow wells
represent the largest number of wells and are the most common
• Class VI - Wells used to inject carbon dioxide into the subsurface for
the purpose of long term storage
Does the UIC program apply to my community?
Generally, only shallow wells are likely to be found within your community.
However, it is these wells that can 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 disposal wells (e.g., septic systems and cesspools) that serve 20 or
more persons per day, and commercial disposal wells used by small businesses
(by car washes for example).
To address incidences of drinking water contamination resulting from shallow
injection of motor vehicle maintenance-related wastes, EPA banned new Class V
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motor vehicle waste disposal (MVWD) wells in April 2000, and began phasing out
existing MVWD wells To date, EPA and Region 8 States have closed over 1500
of these wells and are continuing to find and close wells throughout Region 8
Individual or single family residential septic systems or cesspools are not
regulated by the UIC program, but may be regulated under local or state laws
and regulations. Additionally, States may have stricter rules than EPA, so
contacting your State agency is recommended
In addition, new large capacity cesspools have been banned since April 2000,
and any remaining existing large capacity cesspools are being closed once
identified A large capacity cesspool has been defined as a cesspool that serves
more than one residence or a non residential cesspool that serves more than 20
people, This would mean restaurants, apartment buildings, churches and
duplexes cannot dispose of their waste in cesspools. This is to protect the local
groundwater from contaminants such as microbes, bacteria, and chemicals that
would come from the cesspools. It is important to note that the State definition
may vary from the federal definition, but the federal rule and definition applies
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 municipal 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
reduced significantly by utilizing Best Management Practices (BMP) and by
reviewing new applications for septic systems to ensure appropriate use
BMPs refer to methods that have been determined to be the most effective and
practical means of preventing or reducing pollution from non-point sources For
example, limiting the use of pesticides and fertilizers can significantly reduce the
amount of chemicals that reach groundwater via agricultural drainage wells.
Another BMP example is that of using public awareness programs to educate
community members on the adverse effects of disposing of household chemicals
in septic systems. Such best management practice programs can also
encourage small businesses such as auto service stations to practice source
reduction and recycling, for example, of used oil, antifreeze, solvents, and heavy
metals that may otherwise be disposed of improperly in a septic system
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Additional Information
• National Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791
• U.S. EPA Region 8, Underground Injection Control Program: (303) 312
6312 or http://www.epa.gov/reqion8/water/uic/
Residents of Colorado, Montana and South Dakota can contact the U.S.
EPA Region 8 (phone number listed above) Residents of Utah, North
Dakota and Wyoming can contact their respective state agencies.
See the listing for State Injection Wells contacts in the resource section.
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Source Water Assessment and Protection
States and water suppliers must conduct assessments of water sources to see
where they may be vulnerable to contamination. Water systems may also
voluntarily adopt programs to protect their watershed or wellhead, and states can
use legal authorities from other laws to prevent pollution
Source water is untreated water from streams, rivers, lakes or underground
aquifers that is used to provide public drinking water, as well to supply private
wells used for human consumption. Some water treatment is usually necessary,
so public utilities treat most of the drinking water before it enters the home
However, the cost of this treatment, as well as the risks to public health, can be
reduced by protecting source water from contamination. EPA, other federal
agencies, states, local communities, businesses and citizens all play a role in
ensuring that drinking water is protected.
The Wellhead Protection Program
The Wellhead Protection Program (WHPP) is a pollution prevention and
management program used to protect underground sources of drinking water
The national WHPP was established under section 1428 of the 1986 SDWA
amendments. The law specified that certain program activities, such as
delineation, contaminant source inventory, contingency planning and source
management, be incorporated into state WHPPs, which are approved by EPA
before implementation. All states have EPA-approved state WHPPs Although
section 1428 applies only to states, a number of tribes are implementing the
program as well.
WHPPs provided the foundation for many of the state source water assessment
programs required under the 1996 SDWA amendments. Most states also use the
wellhead protection program as a foundation for assessing and protecting ground
water systems State WHPPs vary greatly For example, some states require
community water systems to develop management plans, while others rely on
education and technical assistance to encourage voluntary action Other states,
such Utah, have mandatory requirements for wellhead protection Guidance,
publications and other resources are available on state source water websites
Source Water Assessments
A source water assessment is a study and report, unique to a PWS, which
provides basic information about the water used to provide drinking water. The
assessment may be completed by the State or a public water system and is a
tool to provide the PWS, its customers and the public with information needed to
make source water protection decisions. The assessment identifies the area of
the watershed or aquifer from which the PWS s drinking water is drawn, including
those areas most critical for protection. The assessment then identifies possible
sources of contaminants that could affect the water's quality, and how likely they
are to cause a problem
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The SDWA Amendments of 1996 required states to develop and implement
source water assessment programs (SWAPs) to analyze existing and potential
threats to the quality of the public drinking water throughout the state. These
SDWA Amendments expanded upon the WHPP efforts Using these programs,
most states have completed source water assessments for every public water
system - from major metropolitan areas to the smallest towns The source water
assessment programs created by states differ, because each program is tailored
to a state's water resources and drinking water priorities
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 government 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 services, 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), voluntary best
management practices, easements and purchases can be used to meet unique
local conditions. Additionally; cooperation can be sought with state and federal
agencies. 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:
http:///www.epa.qov/reQion8/water/swap.html
• EPA Source Water website: http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewaer/sourcewater
• Source Water Collaborative website: http://ww.protectdrinkinqwater.org
• How-To Manual: Update and Enhance Your Local Source Water
Assessments; EPA 816-K-06-004, September 2006, available by
request or online at:
http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/drinkinQwater/sourcewater/protection/
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Water Quality Standards/Designated Use Waters
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, later amended and renamed
the Clean Water 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. CWA, along with the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA), also mandated that each Federal agency assesses the
environmental impact of any proposed Federal action on U.S. waters The
primary objectives of CWA include restoring and maintaining the chemical,
physical and biological integrity of all U.S waters.
Protection of US. waters involves several federal agencies, primarily (he US
Army Corps of Engineers (Corp), EPA, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Natural
Resource Conservation Service. In addition, many state agencies, such as state
departments of environmental quality, health, conservation, transportation, and
agriculture, have responsibilities for U.S. waters within their boundaries.
Designated Use Waters
The EPA Water Quality Standards (WQS) program, a part of CWA 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. Designated 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
and 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-
implementing." 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
quality; health departments, etc) and authorized tribes with approved WQS have
responsibility for implementing WQS programs, including designating uses,
establishing protection criteria, and developing anti-degradation policies and
implementation strategies Violation of WQS regulations and related
environmental protection laws can involve stiff penalties, including fines,
requirements to restore the area, and/or imprisonment.
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Protecting Water Bodies
Protection of water bodies, such as wetlands, streams and lakes, means
controlling activities that adversely affect or may potentially adversely affect
these water bodies.
Wetlands, generally defined as saturated or flooded areas where there is a
prevalence of aquatic hydrophytic vegetation, such as swamps, marshes, and
bogs are a particularly vulnerable, yet vital piece of the waters of the US.
Wetlands in our country are being lost at an alarming rate; with 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
contamination 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
agriculture needs; and
• 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
Dredge and Fill/ Section 404 Permits
Under Section 404 of the CWA, anyone who proposes an activity that would
discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States is required to
apply for a permit from the Corps. The 404 permit process requires applicants to
demonstrate that they have followed certain steps including evaluating
alternatives that avoid the impact, minimize the impact and finally mitigate the
impact The law places the burden of proof on the permit applicant to
demonstrate that any particular dredge or fill discharge into any waters of the
U.S. is (a) unavoidable and (b) the least environmentally-damaging practicable
alternative to achieve the basic purpose of the project 404 permits are subject
to review by other Federal agencies (including EPA) and certification by the
state Section 401 of the CWA gives states and tribes the ability to approve,
condition, or deny certification of a 404 permit or waive the right to review it
altogether
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Additional Information
• The Wetlands Protection Hotline: (800) 832-7828.
• EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds website;
http :/www.epa.QQv/waterhome/factscontents. html
• EPA Region 6 Wetlands Program website.
http/www epa.gov/reqion8/cross/eco/wetlands.html
• The Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 USC. 1251-1376)
• The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC. 4321)
• Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934, amended 1946, 1958, 1977
(16 USC. 661-667e)
• River and Harbor Act of 1899, Section 10 Hazardous Waste
• The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC, 1531)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Regulations, 33 CFR Parts 320-330
• Guidelines for Disposal Sites for Dredged or Fill Material, 40 CFR Part
230
• Executive Order 11990 on the Protection of Wetlands, May 25, 1977, 42
FR 26961
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Nonpoint Source Pollution
Despite progress in improving water quality impacts from industrial and municipal
dischargers (point sources), the U S still faces significant water quality
challenges. The major remaining water pollution problems are caused by less
obvious and more widespread sources of pollution (nonpoint sources) that affect
both surface water and groundwater. Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is caused
by rainfall, snowmelt or other runoff moving over and through the ground. As the
runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants
and deposits them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, and ground water,
NPS programs 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.
The 1987 Amendments to the CWA established the Section 319 NPS
Management Program Under Section 319, states and tribes receive grants that
supports a wide variety of activities including technical and financial assistance,
education, training, technology transfer, demonstration projects and monitoring to
assess the success of specific nonpoint source implementation projects. The
NPS Program is locally focused and state administered.
The NPS program Is being implemented on a watershed-by-watershed basis.
This geographic targeting of watersheds focuses on ecological units - river
basins, estuaries, or critical habitat - instead of on political boundaries such as
federal regions, states, tribal lands, counties or municipalities. A watershed
approach relies on the collaborative efforts of many to restore and sustain
watershed health. This approach shifts the emphasis from particular 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?"
Communities have played an important role in addressing NPS pollution When
coordinated with federal, state, and local environmental programs and initiatives,
community-based NPS control efforts can be highly successful To learn about
and help control NPS pollution, contact the community-based organizations and
environmental agencies in your area.
Additional Information:
• Region 8 NPS Program Website:
hUp://www.epa.gov/reqion8/water/nDs/npsr8.html
• EPA s website for information on polluted runoff:
http://www epa.gov/owow keep/NPS/index.html
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WATER PROGRAMS
Clean Water Act
Wastewater
Discharge Permits under the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES)
Public Law (PL) 92-500, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended in
1972, established a national policy to restore and maintain the chemical, physical
and biological integrity of the nation's waters [PL 92-500 through amendments
was later renamed the Clean Water Act (CWA).] One of the chief mechanisms to
achieve the goals of the CWA is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permit program. EPA or the state environmental control
agency has responsibility for administering the NPDES permit program NPDES
permits are required for discharges of any pollutant (including wastewater
effluent) into state/U S. waters (such as streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, etc.)
Permits are issued to owners and/or operators of discharging facilities
Specific terms and conditions for NPDES permits vary from state to state, but
each authorized state must administer the program to meet minimum EPA
standards. In addition, permit requirements within a given state may also vary
because of different State/tribal water quality standards for, and designated
beneficial uses of, the receiving water and other factors at the discharge site
Actions your community should be taking:
Maximize community awareness of opportunities to comment on new or reissued
permits that may affect water quality in your watershed. Opportunities exist for
public comment during public notice of the proposed draft permit in major
newspapers serving the county where the proposed discharge is located.
Additional Information
• NPDES Program Information: http://cfpLib.epa.gov/npdes/index.cfm.
• Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C 1342) -
Commonly referred to as the Clean Water Act
• EPA Administered Permit Programs. The National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System, 40 CFR Part 122
• "Design Manual - Constructed Wetlands and Aquatic Plant Systems for
Municipal Wastewater Treatment", Center for Environmental Research
Information, Cincinnati, OH 45268, EPA/625/1-88/022
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WATER PROGRAMS
Clean Water Act
Wastewater
Septic (Decentralized) Systems
Septic or decentralized wastewater systems are an alternative wastewater
treatment option for small and/or rural households and communities Residential
septic systems do not need a NPDES permit, but may be subject to state and
local regulations. Nearly one in four households in the United States depends on
an individual septic (decentralized) system or small community cluster system to
treat wastewater. In far too many cases, these systems are installed and largely
forgotten - until problems arise EPA concluded in its 1997 Report to Congress
that "adequately managed decentralized wastewater systems are a cost-effective
and long-term option for meeting public health and water quality goals,
particularly in less densely populated areas " The difference between failure and
success is the implementation of an effective wastewater management program.
Such a program, if properly executed, can protect public health, preserve
valuable water resources, and maintain economic vitality in a community.
Who regulates septic (onsite) wastewater treatment systems?
• States, tribes and local governments may be responsible for regulating
individual septic (onsite) systems. EPA provides guidance and technical
assistance to help develop and enhance septic (onsite) programs
• EPA regulates large capacity septic systems (systems with the capacity
to serve 20 or more persons) under the Underground Injection Well
program
• EPA regulates system discharges to surface waters under the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
• EPA regulates disposal of sewage sludge (biosolids) including domestic
septage under 40 CFR Section 503
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 for implementing appropriate
wastewater treatment and management programs
Because of reduced levels of Federal funding for wastewater collection and
disposal systems, rural communities and their technical consultants must identify
less expensive alternative technologies in order to reduce project cost and
operating expenses.
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Clean Water Act
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 American to have effective wastewater collection and disposal systems
Additional Information
• EPA Septic Resources: http://cfpub.epa.qov/owm/septic/
• "Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered
(Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems"
http://www.epa.qov/owm/septic/pubs/septic quidelines.pdf
• "Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized)
Wastewater Treatment Systems" - A "how-to guide" for implementing
EPA's Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and
Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems"
http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/septic.cfm7paqe id-289
• "Small Wastewater Systems - Alternative Systems for Small
Communities and Rural Areas", EPA National Small Flows
Clearinghouse, (800) 624-8301
• "It's Your Choice - A Guidebook for Local Officials on Small Community
Wastewater Management Options", EPA National Small Flows
Clearinghouse, (800) 624-8301
• "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
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WATER PROGRAMS
Clean Water Act
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
(BODs) and total suspended solids (TSS) limits not exceed 30 mg/l as a thirty-
day average and 45 mg/L as a seven-day average Some states allow higher
TSS 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.
Designated beneficial uses of the receiving waters may necessitate that higher
quality effluent be discharged or possibly allow no discharge at all.
Actions your community should be taking
If a wastewater treatment plant discharges to waters of the U.S/state (such as
streams, lakes, wetlands, etc.), it is required to have a National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. States may have slightly
different names for their permit programs, but the permit will specify effluent
limitations and monitoring requirements. 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 problems. Another approach would be
to minimize water use by instituting water conservation measures, such as the
use of low-flow plumbing fixtures in homes and buildings.
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: http://www.epa.gov/owm
• EPA Secondary Treatment regulations, 40 CFR Part 133
• "Needs Survey Report to Congress", EPA, February 1997
• "Overview of Selected EPA Regulations and Guidance Affecting POTW
Management," EPA, September 1989
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WATER PROGRAMS
Clean Water Act
Wastewater
Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Use and Disposal
During the past half century the practice of recycling biosolids, a byproduct of the
wastewater treatment process has become more common Environmental
regulations ensure that biosolids are handled properly and are of sufficient quality
for use as a soil conditioner or fertilizer. Currently about one-half of the biosolids
produced nationally are recycled with perhaps 80-90% in rural areas
How do Biosolids differ from Sewage Sludge?
Biosolids are primarily organic treated wastewater residuals from municipal
wastewater treatment plants (with the emphasis on the word treated) that are
suitable for recycling as a soil amendment. Sewage sludge, which has received
additional stabilization treatment at a municipal wastewater treatment plant are
called biosolids
Exactly what are Biosolids?
Biosolids are, in effect, a slow release nitrogen fertilizer with low concentrations
of other plant nutrients. In addition to nitrogen, biosolids also contain
phosphorus, potassium, and essential micronutrients, such as zinc and iron
Many soils are deficient in one or more micronutrients and biosolids solve this
problem. Since biosolids are also rich in organic matter, that can improve soil
quality by improving water-holding capacity and soil structure Proper use of
biosolids can ultimately decrease topsoil erosion while improving soil quality and
agricultural production
When applied at agronomic rates (the rates at which plants require for growth),
biosolids 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?
In 1993 EPA published the 503 rule which lists requirements for management of
all biosolids generated during the process of treating municipal wastewater. The
503 Rule encourages the beneficial reuse of biosolids by establishing strict
standards under which wastewater residuals can and cannot be beneficially
recycled as soil amendments EPA believes that biosolids are an important
resource that can and should be safely recycled.
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
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WATER PROGRAMS
Clean Water Act
be present in biosolids It also governs reduction of the attraction of vectors
(such as flies), agricultural practices, site restrictions, and crop harvesting
restrictions. Region VIII also requires that facilities using or disposing of
biosolids obtain a permit prior the use or disposal.
What are the Reuse/Disposal Options?
The only options covered by 503 are incineration, surface disposal, and land
filling, or recycling as soil amendments Incineration is very expensive. Land
filling and surface disposal are really temporary solutions to a permanent
problem Because biosolids are a valuable resource, recycling as soil
amendments is the preferred option
Do the Biosolids (sewage sludge) regulations apply to my
community?
In general, yes, if the wastewater treatment system includes any form of central
treatment or mechanical plant, including a wastewater lagoon or stabilization
pond, which will need solids removed Even if you believe your current NPDES
permit covers the project, it is best to always contact either your state permit
program and/or EPA Region 8.
Additional Information
• EPA Region 8's Biosolids Program at (303) 312-6129 or
http://www.epa.qov/reqion8/water/biosolids/
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WATER PROGRAMS
Clean Water Act
Wastewater
Pretreatment Requirements
Pretreatment refers to processes used to reduce, eliminate, or alter the nature of
wastewater 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 requirements can improve opportunities to recycle and reclaim
domestic wastewaters and sledge
Do the pretreatment requirements apply to my community?
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.
Generally, smaller POTWs without significant industrial users are not required to
establish EPA or state-approved pretreatment programs. However, POTWs are
required by their NPDES permit to protect their POTWs and receiving waters and
should establish authority in their ordinance or rules and regulations to implement
the pretreatment regulations to control significant discharges from non-domestic
users that may be located in their service area.
If a community does have non-domestic users (such as food processing plants,
metal finishers, significant trucked and hauled waste contributors, etc)
discharging pollutants at a significant volume or concentrations that could pass
through the POTW untreated or interfere with operations, the community may be
required by EPA or the State to establish and implement an approved
pretreatment program to satisfy National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit requirements. (See the NPDES section for more information on
the permit program )
If the rule applies to my community, what should I do?
If your community is required to establish an approved pretreatment program or if
you establish one voluntarily, your local POTW governing unit must enact
ordinances to implement pretreatment requirements and identify a person
responsible for ensuring that the program is administered according to
regulations.
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WATER PROGRAMS
Clean Water Act
Discharge limitations are developed and enforced by POTWs to implement
prohibitions and to protect the POTW They are site specific to ensure that
pretreatment standards are in place to protect the POTW, 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 EPA Region 8 Pretreatment Coordinator at (303) 312-6382 for assistance.
If you suspect that there is a problem with a non-domestic user in your
community, notify your POTW operator and the EPA Pretreatment Coordinator 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
http://www.epa.gov/reciion8/water/pretreatment/
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WATER PROGRAMS
Clean Water Act
Stormwater
Stormwater 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, stormwater 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 CWA to require the establishment of a
comprehensive two-phased approach to control stormwater discharges
• Phase I, issued in 1990, requires medium and large municipal separate
storm sewer systems (MS4s), cities or certain counties with populations
of 100,000 or more, to obtain NPDES permit coverage for their
stormwater discharges.
• Phase II, issued in 1999, requires regulated small MS4s in urbanized
areas, as well as small MS4s outside the urbanized areas that are
designated by the permitting authority, to obtain NPDES permit
coverage for their stormwater discharges
The Stormwater Phase II Rule extends coverage of the NPDES stormwater
program to certain "small" MS4s but takes a slightly different approach to how the
storm water management program is developed and implemented. Generally,
Phase I MS4s are covered by individual permits and Phase II MS4s are covered
by a general permit. Each regulated MS4 is required to develop and implement a
Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) to reduce the contamination of storm
water runoff and prohibit illicit discharges.
EPA has developed a set of digitized maps for each urbanized area as defined
by the 2000 US Census. These maps are intended to assist authorized states
(and EPA Regional Offices for unauthorized states) as they develop their Phase
II municipal programs and permits.
What Are the Phase II Small MS4 Program Requirements?
Operators of regulated small MS4s are required to design their programs to:
• Reduce the discharqe of pollutants to the "maximum extent practicable"
(MEP),
• Protect water quality, and
• Satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water
Act
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WATER PROGRAMS
Clean Water Act
The six MS4 program elements, termed minimum control measures"
• Public Education and Outreach
• Public Participation/Involvement
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Construction Site Runoff Control
• Post-Construction Runoff Control
• Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
Actions your community should be taking:
I Maintain coverage under existing stormwater discharge permits, for either Phase
I or Phase II. As necessary, apply for stormwater discharge permits, and
implement controls, according to the stormwater regulations. Even if your
community is not affected by stormwater regulations, consider developing an
information and education program to increase the awareness of municipal
employees and residents of the relationship between the stormwater drainage
system and the local lake or stream. Communities should also consider
establishing local ordinances prohibiting non-stormwater hookups and
discharges or disposal of chemicals into the storm water drainage system.
Additional information
Contact your state or EPA Regional stormwater contact for more information
about the stormwater permitting program or visit the following stormwater Internet
sites:
• EPA NPDES Stormwater Program site:
http://www.epa.aov/npdes/stormwater
• EPA Stormwater Publications
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/pubs.cfm7program id—6
• EPA Region 8 Stormwater site:
http://www.epa.qov/reciion8/water/stormwater/
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WATER PROGRAMS
State Revolving Funds
Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program
Title VI of the 1987 Amendments to the CWA 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. An
SRF may provide financial assistance to municipalities, inter-municipal, state and
interstate agencies for construction of publicly owned wastewater treatment
works (POTWs). Projects can include storm water facilities, and non-point source
(NPS) management programs. For NPS 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 for wastewater systems.
Financial assistance can cover 100% of 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. Financial Assistance 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
http://epa.gov/reqion8/water/srf
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WATER PROGRAMS
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program
The 1996 Amendments to 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 PWSs in achieving compliance
with the NPDWR 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 updated 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 11 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
administers 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) identifying 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 Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the
DWSRF. Each state drafts a biennial report to facilitate federal oversight.
Additional Information
. EPA Region 8 SRF Coordinator: (303) 312-7823
http://www.epa QQv/reaion8/water/srf.html
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WATER PROGRAMS
Indian and Tribal Set-Aside Programs
Clean Water Indian Set-Aside Grant Program
The Clean Water Indian Set-Aside Grant Program (CWISA Program) provides
funding for wastewater infrastructure to Indian tribes and Alaska Native Villages.
Funds may be used for planning, design and construction of wastewater
collection and treatment systems. The CWISA Program is administered in
cooperation with Indian Health Service.
Additional Information
• CWISA Website: http://www.epa.gov/reqion8/water/tsa,html
Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants Tribal Set-
Aside Program
The 1996 SDWA amendments authorized the Drinking Water Infrastructure
Grants Tribal Set-Aside Program (DWIG TSA) program. The grant funds are
used to improve the infrastructure of PWSs that serve tribal populations and to
address the most significant threats to public health associated with PWSs that
serve Indian Tribes. Examples of projects include rehabilitation or development
of a drinking water source and installation or upgrading treatment, storage, or
transmission facilities Funds may be used to conduct project feasibility studies,
engineering design work, or for project administration. No matching contributions
are required
Any federally recognized Indian tribe is eligible to receive a project grant through
the program. Funds may also be transferred directly to Indian Health Services
through an Interagency Agreement at a Tribe's request In order for a water
system to be eligible to receive funds, it must be a PWS which serves a Tribe.
The system must also be non-profit or classified as a community water system.
Projects are selected through a competitive solicitation process Tribes
interested in receiving a DWIG TSA grant for a specific project must submit a
grant proposal along with supporting documentation to the EPA Regional office
Proposals are scored and ranked by a review committee and project selection
determined based on project rank and available funding.
Additional Information
• EPA Region 8 DWIG TSA Coordinator: (303) 312-6389 or
http://www.epa.gov/reqion8/water/tsa.html
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WATER PROGRAMS
Sustainable Infrastructure
Sustainable Water I Wastewater Infrastructure
In 2002, EPA released the Clean Water and Drinking Water Gap Analysis
Report This report estimated that if investment in water and wastewater
infrastructure doesn't increase to address anticipated needs, the funding gap
over the next 20 years could grow to $122 billion for Clean Water capital costs
and $102 billion for Drinking Water capital costs. Infrastructure needs are great
and communities have to address challenges related to aging infrastructure and
growing and shifting populations But the problem is manageable if utilities
undertake the work that needs to be done to address infrastructure and if the
public understands the costs that will be needed to ensure that they have access
to safe drinking water.
EPA is committing to promote sustainable practices that will help to reduce the
potential gap between funding needs and spending at the local and national
level. The Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative guides our efforts in changing how
the nation views, values, manages, and invests in its water infrastructure The
sustainability of our nation's water and wastewater infrastructure will require an
approach that integrates both traditional and innovative solutions to address this
funding shortfall to sustain the life and function of our water infrastructure. EPA
has identified four focus areas (pillars) which must be addressed simultaneously
to ensure the longevity of our infrastructure investments: 1) Better Management;
2) Watershed Approach; 3) Water Efficiency; and 4) Full Cost Pricing.
Additional Information
• EPA Resources on Sustainable Infrastructure:
http://www.epa.gov/waterinfrastructure/
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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. The size and
shape of these tiny fibers allows them to remain suspended in the air for long
periods of time and to easily penetrate body tissues when inhaled Because of
their durability, these fibers can lodge and remain in the body for many years.
Asbestos is now known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma
Other cancers, primarily of 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 after 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.
Federal Regulations Governing Asbestos
National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
The largest single source of asbestos in the indoor air we breathe is probably
insulation, since it had been used in most of the buildings built for some fifty
years. In accordance with the CAA, Section 112 and to protect public health,
EPA established National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
(NESHAP), and promulgated the Asbestos NESHAP 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-containing material (ACM)(i.e." material greater than 1% asbestos by
weight). They specify work practices to be followed during demolition and
renovation of all structures, installations, and buildings (excluding residential
buildings having four or fewer dwelling units). In addition, NESHAP regulations
require building owners and/or contractors to notify the applicable state (or EPA
office) before any demolitions or renovations of buildings that will disturb a
certain threshold amount of asbestos Under certain circumstances moving a
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OTHER PROGRAMS
house may be considered a demolition. Intentional demolition by fire of single
family homes may also be regulated. By the early 1990's, 44 states have been
authorized to implement the CAA asbestos NESHAP program.
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (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 ACM
Under AHERA, 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 programs depends heavily upon the dedication and work of the AHERA
Designated Person (DP). DPs that 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. Schools free of asbestos still require a DP and
management plan
Provisions for training these individuals are provided under AHERA's Model
Accreditation 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 performing 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
On July 12, 1989, 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 alternatives
In October 1991, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated most of the
Asbestos Ban and Phase-out Rule and remanded it to EPA. However, the court
left intact the portion of the rule that regulates products that were not being
manufactured, produced, or imported when the rule was published - in other
words, all products made after July 12, 1989.
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Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (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 AHERA to
require accreditation for any person who inspects for ACM or who designs or
conducts response actions with respect to friable ACM in any public or
commercial building (not just school buildings). Based on the ASHARA
amendments, EPA promulgated a revised Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) in
February 1994, which not only extended the accreditation requirement 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 persona) protective 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
Additional Information
The following documents are available by contacting the EPA Asbestos
Ombusman at (800) 368-5888, Region 8 Environmental Information Center at
(800) 227-8917 or the Regional Asbestos Coordinator at (303) 312-7076. Many
publications, as well as additional information, are available online:
http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/
• Managing Asbestos in Place: The Building Owner's Guide to Operations
and Maintenance Programs for Asbestos-Containing Materials (The
"Green Book"), December 2009
• The ABC's of Asbestos in Schools, Office of Pesticides & Toxic
Substances, August 2003
• How to Manage Asbestos in School Buildings: AHERA Designated
Person's Self Study Guide, January 1996
• Environmental Hazards In Your School: A Resource Handbook, EPA
2DT 2001, October 1990
• Asbestos in the Home: A Homeowner's Guide, December 1998
• National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; Asbestos
• NESHAP Revision; Final Rule, November 20, 1990, 40 CFR Part
61Asbestos Regulations, 40 CFR Part 763
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Children's Environmental Health
Why Focus on Children's Environmental Health?
It is important to develop strong partnerships and networks across government
agencies, health and environmental organizations, health care providers,
educators, and the general public to take steps to protect children's health from
the variety of contaminants and pollutants that may affect them where they live,
learn and play. We must work together to ensure that their homes, schools, and
playgrounds provide the necessary environmental conditions for normal growth
and development. We need to focus on preventing unnecessary exposures as a
first-line defense against harmful environmental pollutants while we continue to
improve environmental protections and health outcomes.
Children are not "little adults":
Children may be more vulnerable to environmental exposures than adults, and
there is clear evidence that they may face health and development risks from
environmental contaminants because:
• children's neurological, immunological, respiratory, digestive, and other
physical systems are still developing and may be more easily harmed
by exposure to any number of factors in the environment;
• children eat more, drink more, and breathe more than adults in
proportion to their body weight—their food, water, and air therefore must
be especially safe;
• children play and learn by crawling and placing hands and objects in
their mouths, increasing their chances of exposure to environmental
contaminants;
• children have unique exposure pathways, such as through the placenta
and breast milk; and,
• children have limited ability to communicate and urge action about their
environment and their health; others must act on their behalf.
EPA's Children's Environmental Health Program
On April 21, 1997, the President signed the Executive Order on the Protection of
Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This Executive
Order requires all federal agencies to assign a high priority to addressing health
and safety risks to children, coordinate research priorities on children's health,
and ensure that their standards take into account special risks to children, tn
May 1997, EPA established the Office of Children's Health Protection (OCHP) to
support the Agency as it implements the President's Executive Order as well as
the national Agenda to Protect Children's Health from Environmental Threats.
The mission of OCHP is to make the health protection of children and the aging a
fundamental goal of public health and environmental protection in the United
States and around the world. OCHP supports and facilitates Agency efforts to
protect children's health from environmental threats
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How can the Children's Environmental Health program
benefit my community?
The children's environmental health program efforts to build community capacity
in children's environmental health protection include:
1. providing information and tools to the public;
www.epa.gov/children
www.epa.gov/schools
2 supporting community actions to protect children;
http://vosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/grants htm
3. increasing the ability of health professionals to identify, prevent, and
reduce environmental health threats to children;
http://vosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/hcp resources.htm
4. engaging youth in children's environmental health protection; and,
5. working with States and Tribes to develop programs to address
children's environmental health issues.
Additional Information
• EPA Region 8 website: http://epa.gov/region8/humanhealth/children/
• EPA Region 8 Children's Environmental Health Contact:
Regional Children's Environmental Health Coordinator (303) 312 6967
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Climate Change
Climate change is a problem that is affecting people and the environment.
However, there are many solutions for reducing greenhouse gases and adapting
to this global challenge. EPA has various programs in which local governments,
communities, individuals, and businesses can participate. Voluntary initiatives,
such as ENERGY STAR®, Green Power Communities, and Wastewise,
encourage actions that result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. EPA also
provides training, guides, case studies, and has periodic funding opportunities
that can help small communities develop and meet climate change and clean
energy goals.
For details on these, see EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Program
located at: http://www epa.qoy/statelocalclimate/local/index.html.
Additionally, EPA has been working on various mandatory programs for large
sources of greenhouse gas emissions. These programs include EPA's
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, which requires sources of 25,000 metric
tons per year or more of carbon dioxide equivalents (C02e) to report their
emissions to EPA starting in 2011. EPA has also developed a regulatory
program for stationary sources of 75,000 or 100,000 tons per year or more of
C02e These sources will be required to reduce their emissions using various
control technologies or techniques starting in 2011. Most small communities will
not have sources of this size.
For details on these and other regulatory initiatives to address climate change,
see. http://www.epa.gov/climatechanqe/initiatives/index.html
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Emergency Planning & Community
Right-to-Know Act
Also Known as the Superfund Amendments & Reauthorization Act (SARA), Title III
The Emergency Planning and Community RighMo-Know Act (EPCRA), enacted
in 1986, has two major purposes: 1) to increase public knowledge of and access
to information 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
environment arising from the release or potential release of oil, radioactive
materials, or hazardous 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 manufacture chemicals, or as a result of
natural or man-made disasters.
What are some of the requirements of EPCRA?
Section 304 requires immediate notification to authorized agencies for reportable
releases of listed hazardous substances Section 313 requires certain
businesses to submit annual reports to the EPA and the State by 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. This information
is entered into the EPA database known as the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
that informs local governments and the public about releases of toxic chemicals
EPCRA mandated the formation of State Emergency Response Commissions
(SERCs), which must appoint Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs)
SERCs and LEPCs 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. Additionally, the
LEPC must exercise, review and update its plan annually and make it available
to the public. Businesses and industrial facilities must report annually to the
SERC and LEPC on the chemical types, storage amounts and locations at their
facilities. The SERC and LEPC must also make this inventory information
available to the public
In addition, if there is a chemical accident or other environmental emergency,
responding organizations, such as the local fire department, will be prepared to
deal effectively with the problem because of the EPCRA information and training.
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
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Does the EPCRA apply to my community?
Yes, the chemicals being released 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 government agencies to
force them to comply with the law.
If the EPCRA applies, what should I do?
As a member of the public, you should, first, be informed. TRI information is
available to you on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/tri . This includes EPA's
Envirofacts Warehouse and other computer accessible data tools With this
information, you as an individual and as part of citizen groups can work to
encourage reductions in TRI annual emissions by focal 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 LEPC to make sure that it is representative of the community and
includes individuals from citizen groups, fire departments, hospitals, schools,
state and local governments, medical, industry and business groups, such as
farmers. 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 the chemical risks
present within your community
Whom to notify in case of an environmental emergency
In the event of a public health emergency, company officials 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
Additional Information
• Region 8 Environmental Information Sen/ice Center. (303)312-6312
• Region 8 EPCRA Program website:
http://wwwepa.gov/emergencies/index-htm
• Toxics Release Inventory website: http://www.epa.gov/tri/
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ENERGY STAR®
Energy efficiency is a proven, practical solution to the critical issues facing the
United States and the global community, It is the lowest cost, fastest, and largest
untapped answer for reducing GHG emissions in the near future. At the same
time, greater efficiency of the nation's housing, buildings, and industries will help
Americans meet today's energy and environmental challenges, while creating
new jobs and stimulating the U.S. economy
Since its inception by EPA in 1992, the ENERGY STAR program has helped
drive investment in energy efficient products, technologies, and practices that go
well beyond existing appliance standards and building codes EPA has used a
variety of strategies to catalyze market transformation, including information
dissemination; technical assistance, definition of specifications and verification of
top performing products, buildings, and new homes, and recognition of
organizations that have made substantial progress in reducing GHG emissions.
Many homeowners, businesses, and other consumers rely on the ENERGY
STAR program as a trusted source of unbiased information to help them lower
their energy bills while fighting global climate change. The program benefits have
grown steadily since 1992 and will continue to grow as consumers and
businesses leverage the ENERGY STAR program and take steps to:
• Select efficient products in more than 60 product categories
• Undertake home improvement retrofits
• Buy efficient new homes
• Improve the efficiency of public and private commercial buildings
• Design efficient buildings
• Improve the efficiency of industrial facilities
ENERGY STAR Qualified Products
Save energy and fight climate change with ENERGY STAR qualified products
They use Jess energy, save money, and help protect the environment. Learn
more at: http://www.enerqystar qov/products
ENERGY STAR Home Improvement
Making your home more energy efficient with ENERGY STAR can help to reduce
high energy bills, improve comfort and help to protect the environment. Improving
energy efficiency is also an important first step for homeowners interested in
green remodeling. ENERGY STAR can guide you in making your home more
efficient — whether you do-it-yourseif or hire a qualified professional.
Learn more at: http://www.energvstar.qov/homeimprovement
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ENERGY STAR New Homes
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy
efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at
least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International
Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that
typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.
Learn more at: http://www.eneravstar.gov/newhomes
ENERGY STAR Buildings and Plants
Improving the energy efficiency of the places where we work, play and learn
helps save energy, save money, and fight global warming. Look for facilities that
have earned the ENERGY STAR - the national mark of excellence in energy
performance - and know with confidence thai the facilities are energy efficient
and have a smaller carbon footprint.
Learn more at: http:// www.enerqvstar.gov/buildinqs
ENERGY STAR for Local Governments
Partnering with ENERGY STAR is a commitment to your taxpayers as well as the
environment. Local and state governments, as well as federal agencies, that
partner with EPA and take the ENERGY STAR Challenge demonstrate their
commitment to taxpayers as well as the environment Learn more at:
http;//www.enerqystar.qov/index.cfm?c=qovernment.bus government local
ENERGY STAR Challenge
The ENERGY STAR Challenge is a national call-to-action to improve the energy
efficiency of America's commercial and industrial buildings by 10 percent or
more. We can all do our part. Take the ENERGY STAR Challenge and use the
Challenge Toolkit to help build a better world. Learn more at:
http://www.enerqystar.qov/index.cfm?c=challenqe.bus challenge
ENERGY STAR for Small Business
Whether you own your building or are a tenant, you typically need lighting,
heating, air conditioning, power for office equipment, and other services to stay in
business With free, unbiased information and technical support from ENERGY
STAR, you can more easily improve your company's financial performance by
reducing energy waste and energy costs, while protecting the earth's
environment. Learn more at: http://www.energvstar.gov/smallbusiness
Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR
Designing commercial building projects to achieve the ENERGY STAR helps
architects and their clients save money, save energy, prevent carbon emissions,
and answer EPA's call to fight global warming. Learn more at:
http://www.enerqystar.gov/tarqetfinder
For more information: http://www.enerqystar gov
ENERGY STAR Hotline: (888) 782-7937 or hotiine@enerqystar gov
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Environmental Justice
What is Environmental Justice?
Environmental Justice (EJ) is focused attention on communities which are
disproportionally impacted by environmental problems In many cases these
problems are found in minority and low-income communities. The objective of EJ
is to ensure a quality environment for all citizens, regardless of race, ethnicity, or
other socioeconomic factors and to promote equal access among low-income
and minority communities to public information on, and public participation in,
matters relating to human health and the environment
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 Low-
Income Populations. This order is designed to focus federal attention on
disproportionately impacted populations and to achieve environmental justice.
EPA's response to this Executive Order was to develop its Environmental Justice
program. It works to prevent minority and low-income communities from being
subject to disproportionately high adverse environmental effects from activities
such as landfills, toxic dumps, oil refineries, and highway construction. EPA's EJ
program promotes equal treatment in Federal programs that substantially affect
human health and the environment and utilizes provisions in existing laws that
can help ensure that all individuals and communities across the nation live in a
safe and heallhy environment
How can the Environmental Justice program benefit my
community?
The EJ program provides a number of services to assist communities in
addressing local environmental problems. These services include
• Raising awareness of Environmental Justice issues
• Awarding grants to communities to address environmental justice issues
• Identifying, assessing, addressing, and responding to inequitable
environmental impacts
• Holding public meetings to receive public comments on local
environmental protection activities
• Facilitating meetings bringing together all stakeholders to discuss local
EJ issues
• Communicating with the public about opportunities for involvement in
environmental decision-making
• Providing information about EPA activities and assistance that EPA
provides to communities
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Environmental Justice Funding Opportunities
The Environmental Justice Grants program provides financial assistance
(through its EJ Small Grants program) to community- based and other non-profit
organizations, as well as state, local, and tribal governments 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 grant training 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: Listings of websites, books, and
journals specific to Environmental Justice and also includes lists of
materials specific to EJ issues affecting Tribes and Latino communities
• The Resource Conservation Recovery Act's (RCRA) Expanded Public
Participation 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
organization or agency that addresses public participation
• EPA Environmental Justice Strategy Publication highlights the goals,
principles and objectives of the Executive Order on Environmental
Justice
• Plan EJ 2014: A blueprint for the Agency's EJ strategy for the next
several years
• National OEJ (Office of Environmental Justice) Website
http://www.epa.gov/oecaerth/environmentaliustice/
• Community Guide to EPA's Voluntary Programs, available online at.
http://www.epa.gov/care/librarv/quide vol progs 2008.pdf
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Lead
Lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of health effects and
behavioral problems and learning disabilities Children ages 6 years and under
are at the most risk because their bodies develop rapidly and they frequently
place their hands, toys, and other objects that could contain lead in their mouths.
Exposure to lead can result in lower intelligence in children and has been
associated with behavioral and attention problems. Lead a)so causes kidney,
liver, brain and nerve damage. At very high levels, lead can cause seizures,
coma, and even death.
Before 1978, lead was commonly used in many different materials, such as
leaded gasoline and lead-based paint. Lead is still found in many homes today.
For example:
• If your home was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead-
based paint. Paint chips and dust from deteriorating paint can contain
dangerous levels of lead. Dust containing lead can be created by
friction activities, such as when windows, doors, or drawers are opened
and closed or during renovations, repair or maintenance jobs when
painted surfaces are disturbed while sanding, demolishing or cutting
• Lead dust can also be tracked into the home from soil outside
• Some older or imported toys contain lead or lead paint, and toys can
pick up lead from contaminated soil or house dust.
• Lead was also used in pipes, and in solder and plumbing fixtures that
can corrode and release lead into drinking water.
Statutory Authority
The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X)
developed a comprehensive federal strategy for reducing Jead paint hazard
exposure. Specifically, Title X provided the authority for the following regulations
by amending the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to include Title IV (Lead
Exposure Reduction). The recent major rulemaking, entitled "The Renovation,
Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule," was published April 22, 2008. Regulatory
development for the lead-based paint program continues. On May 6, 2010, EPA
promulgated the first of several anticipated amendments to the RRP Rule:
• Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Regulations(TSCA
Section 1018 of Title X) - Recognizing that families have a right to
know about lead-based paint and potential lead hazards in their homes,
disclosure requirements were developed for sales and leases of pre-
1978 housing. These regulations require that buyers and renters must
receive housing specific information on lead-based paint as well as a
Federal pamphlet titled, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home,
which provides practical, low-cost tips on identifying and controlling
lead-based paint hazards Sellers, landlords, and their agents are
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responsible for providing this information to the buyer or renter before
sale or lease. The Federal requirements can be found at 40 CFR 745,
Subpart F.
• Lead-based Paint Activities Regulations (TSCA Sections 402/404):
These regulations ensure that individuals conducting lead-based paint
activities in target housing and child-occupied facilities are properly
trained and certified, that training programs are accredited, and that
these activities are conducted according to reliable, effective and safe
work practice standards Child-occupied facilities are residential, public
or commercial buildings built before 1978 where children under age 6
are present on a regular basis Child care facilities, preschool and
kindergarten classrooms are examples of child-occupied facilities. Lead-
based paint activities include regulation of inspection, risk assessment
and abatement Abatement means any measure or set of measures
designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards.
Abatement can include the removal of lead-based paint and lead-
contaminated dust, the permanent enclosure or encapsulation of lead-
based paint, the replacement of lead-painted surfaces or fixtures, and
the removal or covering of lead contaminated soil The federal
requirements can be found at 40 CFR 745, Subpart L.
• Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Regulations: If
conducted improperly, renovations in housing with lead-based paint can
create serious health hazards to workers and occupants by releasing
large amounts of lead dust and debris. The RRP work practice
standards requires that most upgrade, repair and maintenance activities
that disturb paint in pre-1978 homes or childcare facilities must be
performed by a certified firm, under the guidance of a certified
renovator, with trained workers, using lead-safe work practices so that
new lead hazards are not created during the renovation. The
information distribution requirements require renovators to distribute a
lead hazard information pamphlet to housing owners and occupants
before conducting renovations on pre-1978 housing. Renovators are
required to distribute a lead hazard information pamphlet to the owners
and administrators of child-occupied facilities. Renovators must also
make renovation information available to parents or guardians of
children under age six that attend these facilities. Contractors must use
the renovation-specific lead hazard information pamphlet entitled
Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child
Care Providers and Schools. The complete federal requirements can
be found at 40 CFR 745 83.
• Pre-Renovation Lead Information Program (TSCA Section 406(b)) -
This Program requires renovators to distribute a lead hazard information
pamphlet to housing owners and occupants before conducting
renovations in pre-1978 housing. Renovators are required to distribute
a lead hazard information pamphlet to the owners and administrators of
child-occupied facilities before beginning renovations in these facilities.
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Renovators must also make renovation information available to the
parents or guardians of children under age six that attend these
facilities. As defined in the rute, child-occupied facilities are residential,
public or commercial buildings built before 1978 where children under
age six are present on a regular basis. Child care facilities and
kindergarten and pre-kindergarten classrooms are examples of child-
occupied facilities. Contractors must use the renovation-specific lead
hazard information pamphlet, entitled Renovate Right. Important Lead
Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools, to
comply with these requirements.
Lead Program Delegation of Authority
States or Tribes can become authorized to implement all or parts of these
programs as long as their programs are at least as stringent as EPA's As of
2010, the EPA Region 8 States of Colorado, North Dakota, and Utah have
authority to implement the Lead-based Paint Activities regulations. The States of
Colorado and Utah are authorized to implement the information distribution
requirements of the Pre-Renovation Lead Information Rule. The State of Utah
has authority to implement the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting
regulations. The authority to implement the Residential Lead-Based Paint
Disclosure Program presently remains with EPA.
Additional Information
• EPA Region 8 Lead Program: (303) 312-6966
• EPA Region 8 Lead Program website -
http://www.epa.qov/reqion8/toxics/leadpnt
• EPA's National Lead Program website - http://www.epa.gov/lead
• National Lead Information Center (NLIC): (800) 424-LEAD (5323)
• The Lead-Free Kids Campaign - a joint effort of the Ad Council, EPA,
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Coalition to
End Childhood Lead Poisoning - http://www.leadfreekids.org
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National Environmental Policy Act
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to
integrate environmental values into their decision making processes by
considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable
alternatives to those actions NEPA also established the Council on
Environmental Quality (CEQ), which oversees NEPA compliance.
The NEPA process consists of an evaluation of the environmental effects of a
federal undertaking including its alternatives. There are three levels of analysis
depending on whether or not an undertaking could significantly affect the
environment. These three levels include' categorical exclusion determination;
preparation of an environmental assessment/finding of no significant impact
(EA/FONSI); and preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS).
At the first level, an undertaking may be categorically excluded from a detailed
environmental analysis if it meets certain criteria which a federal agency has
previously determined as having no significant environmental impact A number
of agencies have developed lists of actions which are normally categorically
excluded from environmental evaluation under their NEPA regulations
At the second level of analysis, a federal agency prepares a written
environmental assessment (EA) to determine whether or not a federal
undertaking would significantly affect the environment. If the answer is no, the
agency issues a finding of no significant impact (FONSI). The FONSI may
address measures which an agency will take to reduce (mitigate) potentially
significant impacts
If the EA determines that the environmental consequences of a proposed federal
undertaking may be significant, an EIS is> prepared An EIS is a more detailed
evaluation of the proposed action and alternatives. The public, other federal
agencies and outside parties may provide input into the preparation of an EIS
and comment on the draft EIS when it is completed (f a federal agency
anticipates that an undertaking may significantly impact the environment, or if a
project is environmentally controversial, a federal agency may choose to prepare
an EIS without having to first prepare an EA.
After a final EIS is prepared and at the time of its decision, a federal agency will
prepare a public record of its decision addressing how the findings of the EIS,
including consideration of alternatives, were incorporated into the agency's
decision-making process. EPA reviews and comments on EISs prepared by
other federal agencies, maintains a national filing system for all EISs, and
assures that its own actions comply with NEPA
EPA Region 8's NEPA program works with federal, state and tribal agencies to
ensure that environmental analyses for major federal actions provide a solid
basis for the collaborative management and mitigation of environmental impacts
in our states and tribal nations. Region 8's NEPA program formally reviewed and
commented on more than 120 proposed federal actions related to land
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management, energy development, water, transportation, and other issues in
2007. These projects include new highway alignments and expansions, oil and
gas development activities, water development projects, federal land
management actions, power generation projects, and more.
Additional Information
• Region 8 NEPA Program: (800) 227-8917 or (303) 312-6004
• To find EISs filed with EPA for review and public comment and EPA
comment letters visit the National EIS database:
www.epa.qov/conipliance/nepa/eisdata.htmi
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Pesticides
The mission of EPA's National Pesticide Program is to protect human health and
the environment from unreasonable adverse effects resulting from pesticide use,
and ensure pesticides are available for safe use.
The primary statutes regulating pesticide use in the United States are the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) FIFRA gives EPA the authority to register pesticides
and to regulate the sale, distribution and use of pesticides. Pesticides are
registered if EPA determines that they do not cause unreasonable adverse
affects to human health, the environment, or non-target species, when used
according to the label's directions. Pesticide registration decisions are based on
EPA review of a comprehensive set of data requirements for each pesticide, as
well as economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits, and human risk
resulting from pesticide exposure.
FFDCA gives EPA the authority to regulate pesticides used by growers on crops
and set limits for the amount of pesticide residues that may remain in or on foods
and animal feed that are marketed in the United States. These residue limits on
food are called "tolerances."
FFDCA contains specific requirements related to children as a result of the Food
Quality Protection Act (FQPA). FQPA requires that EPA apply an additional
tenfold safety factor to protect children when setting tolerances for food, unless
acceptable data indicate that a lesser safety factor would be protective.
Periodically, EPA will re-check the risk assessments used to set tolerances to
ensure that tolerances are based on the most up-to-date data and accurately
reflect actual or anticipated residue levels in food.
EPA is also responsible for reviewing and approving pesticide product labels.
EPA reviews pesticide labels to ensure that they provide specific directions for
use, safety information for applicators and agricultural workers, and
environmental precautions It is a violation of federal law for anyone to use an
EPA registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its label, or to distribute or
sell an unregistered pesticide product in the U.S.
The field program is another important component of the National Pesticide
Program and is carried out by states, Indian tribes, EPA Regional pesticide
programs and associated partners. The pesticide field program includes: worker
protection, certification and training of pesticide applicators, endangered species
protection, water quality protection, and pest management education, research
and demonstration projects to support adoption of Integrated Pest Management
(IPM). IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to managing
pests by combining common sense practices that minimize economic, health,
and environmental risks.
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Worker Protection
EPA is continually working to address the safety of agricultural workers and
pesticide handlers through the implementation and enforcement of the Worker
Protection Standard or WPS. The WPS is EPA's primary program to protect
agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from occupational pesticide poisoning
and exposures.
Certification and Training
EPA classifies pesticides as either "general use" or "restricted use." Those
pesticides that are not yet classified by EPA are referred to as "unclassified".
Pesticides that are classified as restricted use can only be sold to and used by or
under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. EPA works with State
Departments of Agriculture to provide certification and training for users of these
pesticides in order to achieve applicator competence and ensure proper use of
such products. Applicators must meet competency requirements to become
certified and to use restricted use pesticides.
Endangered Species
EPA's Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP) helps promote the
recovery of listed species and limits any potential effects from pesticide use to
federally listed, threatened or endangered species, while not placing any undue
burden on agriculture or other pesticide users The ESPP is a program designed
to determine whether pesticide use in a certain geographic area may affect any
listed species If limitations on pesticide use are necessary to protect listed
species in that area, the information is relayed through Endangered Species
Protection Bulletins.
Water Quality
The goal of EPA's Water Quality Program is to make sure that pesticides do not
adversely affect the nation's water resources. EPA, the slates and tribal lead
agencies collaborate to develop and carry out management programs to protect
ground and surface water resources, as well as aquatic organisms, from
pesticide risks.
integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management relies on a combination of pest management
evaluations, decisions and practices and not just the use of pesticides IPM
strategies make use of information regarding the biology of pests in combination
with available pest control technologies to manage pests economically and with
the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. IPM
programs take advantage of all appropriate non-pesticide pest management
strategies, with the judicious and careful use of pesticides when necessary
EPA emphasizes the importance of IPM through initiatives such as IPM in
Schools and the Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI). Through EPA's IPM in
Schools initiative, the Agency seeks to obtain a significant reduction in both pest
complaints and pesticide use in schools. To promote IPM in schools, and
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thereby expand the protection of children from pesticide exposures, EPA has
partnered with a team of IPM experts from across federal, state, tribal, and local
governments, as well as non-governmental organizations and the academic
community.
Through the SAI, EPA works with agricultural growers to adopt farm pest
management practices that enable growers to decrease reliance on agricultural
chemicals while maintaining economical outcomes, by developing, demonstrating
and/or applying reduced-risk alternatives and ecologically-based integrated
approaches to pest management. Like IPM in Schools, SAI plays an important
rule in reducing children's risks from pesticides
Summary of EPA's National Pesticide Program
EPA's National Pesticide Program s responsibilities include educating and
protecting consumers, and pesticide users or workers who may be exposed to
pesticides, and protecting eco systems, including non-target plants and animals.
Because many pesticides are potentially hazardous, the agency serves an
important role as a selective gateway to the pesticide market and an effective
steward of pesticides already on the market However, achieving these
protective outcomes requires activities not just by EPA, but also by registrants,
states, tribes, pesticide users and citizens.
Additional Information
• EPA Region 8 Pesticide Program: (800) 227-8917
• EPA Region 8 Pesticide Program Website:
http://www.epa.gov/region8/toxics/pests/
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Pollution Prevention
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. Poflution prevention refers to any practice that reduces or
eliminates the creation of pollutants through increased efficiency in the use of
raw materials, energy, water, or other natural resources, or protection of natural
resources by conservation activities
Pollution prevention does not include any practice that alters the physical,
chemical, or biological characteristics or the volume of a hazardous substance,
pollutant, or contaminant through a process or activity which itself is not integral
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
problems. Local governments can encourage and stimulate the practice of
pollution prevention at all levels by working with industry and manufacturing,
business and government (including agriculture, transportation, energy
generators, hospitals and schools), communities, and individuals
Additional Information
• EPA Region 8 Poflution Prevention Program: (303) 312-6385
• EPA Region 8 Pollution Prevention Program website:
http://www.epa.qov/reqion8/conservation recvclinq.htm
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Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Federal Regulation of PCBs
Concerned about industrial chemical toxicity and persistence in the environment,
Congress enacted the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Under TSCA,
Congress mandated the regulation of PCBs from manufacture to disposal, or
from cradle to grave throughout the U.S. The PCB regulations are found at 40
CFR Part 761.
TSCA Section 6(e) required EPA to promulgate rules which included prohibitions
on the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, marking, storage, and
disposal of PCBs. The most recent rule, "Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls
(PCBs)," was published on June 29, 1998. However, on April 7, 2010, EPA
issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) in the Federal
Register concerning the reassessment of the use authorizations for PCBs which
may result in substantial changes
What are PCBs?
The term "PCB" is an acronym for polychlorinated biphenyls. PCBs are a group
of 209 structurally related chemicals with varying degrees of chlorination, none of
which occur naturally They were legally manufactured from about 1930 through
1977 when manufacture of PCBs was voluntarily discontinued. Manufacture was
Prohibited July 2, 1979.
Due to their non-flammabiiity, chemical stability, and electrical insulating
properties, PCBs were used as dielectric fluid in various types of electrical
equipment. PCBs were manufactured as resins, oils, or viscous liquids called
Aroclors and, when diluted with trihalobenzene and tetrachlorobenzene, were
sold under various trade names such as Inerteen, Pyranol, Askarel, Chlorextol,
and many others. PCBs are mostly odorless but the chlorinated benzenes give
high concentration PCBs their distinctive odor. PCBs were also used as
Plasticizers in paints, rubber products, pigments, dyes, and many other
applications.
Where might you encounter PCBs?
You can expect to encounter PCB containing electrical equipment in any industry
with high power requirements. PCBs can be legally used today in carbonless
copy paper, transformers, capacitors, voltage regulators and fluorescent light
ballasts along with other types of electrical equipment. A common
misunderstanding of the regulations is that the July 2, 1979 Manufacturing,
Processing, Distribution in Commerce and Use Bans resulted in no PCB
containing electrical equipment remaining in service. This is not true. The
regulations authorized a continuation of these major non-totally enclosed uses for
the useful life of the equipment so that much of this equipment remains in
service. Equipment manufactured after 1979 should not contain PCBs. PCBs
were recently discovered illegally used in high concentrations in caulk in schools
and public buildings constructed or renovated between 1950 and 1979.
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How can you identify PCBs?
Contaminated mineral oil dielectrics: Virtually every municipality and utility in
the U.S. may be in possession of equipment containing PCBs. Manufacturers
and servicers inadvertently introduced PCBs into a large proportion of mineral oil-
filled electrical equipment in use before 1979, primarily through mixing PCBs and
mineral oil during servicing operations. To determine the PCB concentration of
PCBs in mineral oil dielectrics that have been contaminated, chemical analysis
may be necessary. An acceptable method in the regulations for analysis of PCB
extracts is SW 846-8082. Field test kits are not acceptable for documentation of
compliance with the regulations transformers.
Trade name PCBs: Electrical equipment with high concentration PCBs can be
identified by a PCB trade name on the manufacturer nameplate. However,
nameplates may not identify the dielectric, may be missing, or replaced during
rebuilding with inaccurate information. A mineral oil transformer with £0.05%
(500 ppm) PCBs is regulated the same as a PCB trade name transformer with 60
% PCB. They are both PCB transformers. For a list of PCB trade names see
Health Effects at http:/ww.epa.gov/pcb
According to the regulations, any person must assume that a transformer or
capacitor manufactured before July 2, 1979 and whose PCB concentration is not
established contains > 500 ppm PCBs. If the date of manufacture and the type
of dielectric fluid are unknown, any person must assume the transformer or
capacitor contains ^ 500 ppm PCB. See 40 CFR Part 761,2(a)(3) & (4) for
further information. Voltage regulators may contain an internal PCB capacitor
Fluorescent light ballasts: Fluorescent light ballasts manufactured before July
2,1979 each contained a thimble sized capacitor filled with pure PCBs that was
surrounded with potting compound, some of which contained regulated quantities
of PCBs.
Be aware of the meaning of "non-PCB transformer." According to fhe
regulations, a non-PCB transformer means any transformer that contains < 50
ppm PCB. The term "non-PCB" does not mean "no PCBs" or that the contained
fluid is not regulated for use or disposal. PCB fluids < 50 ppm when removed
from transformers may only be used or burned for heat recovery in specified
space heaters and industrial furnaces. There are no other permissible uses, and
the fluids must be disposed of according to regulation.
Beware of hidden sources and prohibited uses of PCBs
The largest single hidden PCB source resulting in improper disposal is
transformer bushings. The dielectrics in bushings have no fluid connections with
the dielectrics in the transformers to which they are attached so that analysis of
the transformer dielectric will not reveal anything about PCBs in the bushing.
"Pot heads," cable termination apparatus that connect transformers to incoming
power breakers, and enclosures should also be suspect.
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Dilution of PCBs, even if inadvertent, does not allow anyone to avoid more
stringent management requirements established for higher concentrations of
PCBs introduced into the diluted mixture.
Health effects of PCBs
Studies indicate that exposure 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 indicate that prenatal exposure to PCBs
can result in developmental abnormalities. Postnatal effects, for example,
memory and learning disabilities, have been documented following exposure to
PCBs via breast milk. These same disabilities have been documented in adults
having consumed contaminated fish from the Great Lakes.
Environmental Effects of PCBS
PCBs have become a worldwide contaminant. They are one of the 12 chemicals
targeted by the global Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
(POPs). POPs are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long
periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue
of living organisms, and are toxic to humans and wildlife POPs circulate globally
and can cause damage wherever they travel.
PCBs are among the most stable organic compounds known; they remain in the
environment and bioaccumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms. Studies
indicate that PCBs affect the productivity of phytoplankton and the composition of
phytoplankton communities; phytoplankton can absorb PCBs directly from water
by factors up to 1,000,000, are the foundation of the entire ocean food chain, and
produce about 50% of the 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-
containing food sources The consumption of PCB-contaminated fish is a major
source of human exposures PCBs have become so ubiquitous that FDA has
been compelled to issue tolerances for PCBs in fish, meat, eggs, and dairy,
soap, and food packaging.
Additional Information
• EPA PCB website: http://www.epa.gov/pcb
• U.S. EPA Region 8 contacts:
Information Center: (800) 227-8917
Technical Assistance: (303) 312-6027 or (303) 312-6036
Enforcement: (303) 312-6973
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School Chemical Cleanout
EPA's School Chemical Cleanout Campaign (SC3)
From elementary school maintenance closets to high school chemistry labs,
schools use a variety of chemicals. An estimated 33,000 (75 percent) middle
and high schools across the country have unnecessary or mismanaged
chemicals. If left unchecked, mismanaged chemicals can put students and staff
at risk from spills, fires, and other accidental exposures. Chemical accidents
disrupt school schedules and can cost thousands of dollars to repair As many
as 4,500 of the 6,000 schools in EPA Region 8 may be in need of some form of
chemical management or proper chemical removal. The Schools Chemical
Cieanout Campaign (SC3) aims to ensure that all schools are free from hazards
associated with mismanaged chemicals and provides tools to responsibly
manage chemicals at: http://www.epa.gov/wastes/partnerships/sc3/
By using these tools and pulling together a team with a variety of perspectives,
expertise, and resources you can develop a successful chemical management
program. Schools, parents, and local organizations can partner to create a
chemical management program that meets the unique needs of their schools,
The Pollution Prevention and Toxics Unit is available to provide technical
assistance to schools to properly remove and dispose of hazardous chemicals
and establish chemical management programs.
Maintaining Your Chemical Inventory
Chemical management begins with a complete, accurate and up to date
inventory of all chemicals. You should establish and implement a plan for
purchasing and managing laboratory chemicals to prevent accumulating excess
and undesirable ones. Inventories enable you to determine the existence of a
specific chemical, its location, and approximate shelf age, thus helping to control
the hazards in your laboratory. Inventories should be updated at least once a
year and when chemicals are purchased or used up. Colorado has a list of
prohibited and restricted chemicals that should be eliminated, reduced in volume,
or used only by the teacher for demonstration purposes.
Chemical Cleanout
When used responsibly, chemicals enable students to make scientific
discoveries, create works of art and develop vocational skills. But when they are
improperly stored, outdated, unknown or unnecessary, chemicals can create
serious health and safety problems for children and school staff. A large majority
of middle and high schools have chemicals that, when mismanaged, put students
and staff at risk. Across the country, chemical hazards can be found in areas
such as:
• School chemistry laboratories
• Art classes
• Vocational classes
• Facility maintenance areas; and Janitorial closets
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Once your inventory is complete you should develop a list of those chemicals
that are inappropriate, prohibited, restricted, and dangerous, outdated, unknown,
unwanted, or in excess quantities. Only chemicals that are regularly used in a 2
year period should be retained A cost estimate for proper disposal of these
chemicals should then be obtained from a company capable of handling
hazardous waste. A list of capable companies in your area can be provided by
the Pollution Prevention and Toxics Unit.
RCRA regulations may apply to those facilities generating more than 220 pounds
of hazardous waste or 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste, as detailed in this
document under RCRA - Hazardous Waste.
Chemical Management
While one-time chemical cleanouts have an immediate and positive impact on
student and staff health, they are not a long-term solution to chemical
management problems. For a sustainable solution, schools need to implement a
chemical management program A chemical management program should
include a one-time cleanout of outdated, accumulated chemicals, a long-term
plan for managing chemicals, and implementation of prevention practices. It
helps to ensure that the school is purchasing, storing, using, and disposing of its
chemicals in a responsible manner.
Key components of a chemical management program:
• Establish a chemical management plan
• Conduct periodic chemical inventories
• Plan and budget for chemical purchases, management and disposal
• Establish environmentally preferable purchasing practices
• Encourage school staff to use the smallest amounts of the least
hazardous chemicals
• Offer chemical management and safety training for school staff.
Chemical management programs must be flexible to meet the needs of schools
and school districts. Schools can make a positive difference by implementing
components of a program that meet their current needs and resources.
Additional Information
• School Chemical Cleanout Coordinator, EPA Region 8 (303) 312-6284
• EPA's School Chemical Cleanout Campaign website
http7/www.epa.qov/wastes/partnerships/sc3/
• EPA Region 8, Solid and Hazardous Waste Program under the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (303) 312-6424
• Colorado's list of prohibited and restricted chemicals
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/requlations/consumer/101006schools.pdf
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Tribal Assistance Program
The EPA Region 8 Tribal Assistance Program (TAP) office was created in 1995
It was formed in response to expanding tribal environmental needs and to fulfill
Agency responsibility of ensuring public health and environmental protection on
Indian reservations. TAP serves as a central coordination point for tribal
environmental issues among EPA staff, tribal representatives and the public
within Region 8. Typical services provided to Region 8 tribes include: grants
management, training, technical assistance, coordination and liaison services
with other EPA programs. There are six Tribal Program Managers (TPM's) in the
Region 8 Denver Office and two TPM's in the EPA Montana Office. There is also
a Director, who along with management responsibilities of TAP staff, is also the
Special Advisor to the Regional Administrator for Region 8 Indian country.
The Mission of the TAP is "to provide leadership in protecting public health and
the environment within Indian country; respecting the sovereignty of each tribe,
and recognizing our Federal trust responsibilities." The TAP Office serves as a
first point of contact for tribes seeking delegation of federal environmental
programs and/or financial and technical assistance relating to the development of
tribal environmental programs. The TAP Office also provides a coordination point
for tribal environmental issues among EPA staff, tribal representatives, and the
public.
Region 8 TPM's serve as project officers on cooperative agreements and grants
under the General Assistance Program, Clean Water Act Sections 106 & 319,
Clean Air Act Sections 103 & 105, Brownfields 128 (a) Tribal Response Solid &
Hazardous Waste, and Pesticide Enforcement and Initiatives. They also work
with other project officers on several other grant programs including: Community
Action Renewed Environment, CWA Set-Aside Program, Wetlands, Diesel
Emissions Reductions Act Program, Environmental Education, Environmental
Workforce Development and Job Training, Indoor Air Program Competitive
Funding, Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST and UST Programs,
National Hazardous Waste Management Grants, Radon, Safe Drinking Water
Set-Aside Program and Solid and Hazardous Waste grants If a tribe chooses to
have a Performance Partnership Grant (PPG), then TPM's may serve as a
project officer for grant programs traditionally managed by other EPA programs.
EPA's national tribal program (American Indian Environmental Office) is housed
in the International and Tribal Affairs Program Office AIEO leads and
coordinates the Agency-wide effort to strengthen public health and environmental
protection in Indian country throughout the United States. AIEO places a high
priority on building tribal capacity with a special emphasis on administering the
General Assistance Program. 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.
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Key Services Provided by TAP
Tribal Program Managers are responsible for a myriad of activities including:
• Establish strong effective working relationships with tribal staff and
leadership;
• Establish clear expectations regarding tribal program performance
and productivity;
• Provide technical and programmatic assistance to assigned tribes;
• Assist R8 tribes with developing comprehensive work plans &and
budgets;
• Ensure tribal grant compliance with programmatic and fiduciary
requirements;
• Create or maintain effective dialogue with other federal agencies
and within EPA;
• Carry out the liaison functions on behalf of tribal or EPA requests;
• Assume the responsibility of tribal advocate for all Region 8 tribes;
• Continue to develop approaches to work effectively with high risk
grantee tribes;
• Provide leadership and strategic planning to foster tribal program
progression;
• Provide funding opportunity notices for EPA grant programs
managed by TAP;
• Provide technical assistance to EPA programs regarding EPA's and
Region 8's Tribal Policies; and
• Facilitate the development of EPA and Tribal Program guidance,
policy and procedures documents
Additional Information
• EPA Region 8 Tribal Assistance Program: (800) 227-8917 or (303) 312-
6296 or online at www.epa.gov/reqion8/tribes
• EPA Region 8, Montana Office: (866) 457-2960 or (406) 457-5000
• EPA American Indian Environmental Office: www.epa.gov/aieo
. AIEO Office: (202) 564-0303
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ABBREVIATIONS
Abbreviations
AHERA: Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
ASHARA: Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act
CAA: Clean Air Act
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and
Liability Act, also known as Superfund
CFR: Code of Federal Regulations
CORP. Army Corps of Engineers
CRT: Cathode Ray Tube (under RCRA)
CWA: Clean Water Act
EJ Environmental Justice
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
EPCRA: Emergency Planning and Community RighHo-Know Act
ESA: Endangered Species Act
ESPP: Endangered Species Protection Plan
FFDCA: Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
FIFRA: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act
FQPA Food Quality Protection Act
HAPs: Hazardous Air Pollutants (for CAA)
HSWA Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendment
LEPC: Local Emergency Planning Committee (under EPCRA)
MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level (under SDWA)
NEPA: National Environmental Policy Act
NESHAP: National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
NPDES: Non-point Discharge Elimination System
NPDWS: National Primary Drinking Water Standards
NPL. National Priority List (for CERCLA/Superfund)
NPS: Non-point Source
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ABBREVIATIONS
NSR:
New Source Review (under CAA)
OTAQ:
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
PCB:
Polychlorinated biphenyls
POTW:
Publicly Owned Treatment Works (under CWA)
PWS:
Public Water System (under SDWA)
RAA:
Radon Abatement Act
RCRA:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
SARA
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
SDWA:
Safe Drinking Water Act
SERC:
State Emergency Response Committee (under EPCRA)
SRF
State Revolving Fund (loan funds under SDWA and CWA)
SWAP:
Source Water Protection Program
SWMP:
Storm Water Management Plan
TAP:
Tribal Assistance Program
TRI:
Toxics Release Inventory
TSCA:
Toxic Substances Control Act
UIC
Underground Injection Control (under SDWA)
UST:
Underground Storage Tank
WHPP:
Wellhead Protection Plan
WQS
Water Quality Standards (part of the CWA
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Glossary of Terms
Anti-degradation - A provision in the air and water quality laws that prohibits
deterioration 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 of 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 contamination 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, etc). 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 phenomenon 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
that can be crushed, pulverized, or reduced to powder by normal hand
pressure
Giardia Lambfia - 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 OF TERMS
Hazardous Waste - Byproducts of society that can pose a substantial or
potential hazard 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
Micronutrient - 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 100,000to 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) Examples: agriculture, construction, and 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 originating 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
Primacy (State) - Having the primary responsibility for administering and
enforcing regulations.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Primary Treatment - The first stage in wastewater treatment, in which
substantially all floating or settleable solids are mechanically removed by
screening and sedimentation
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 wastewater or treated effluent is discharged
Registration - Formal listing with EPA of a new pesticide before it can be
sold or distributed
Rereqistration - The revaluation and relicensing of existing pesticides
originally registered before current scientific and regulatory standards took
effect. EPA reregisters pesticides 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
Seplaqe 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/Laaoon - 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 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
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Tertiary Treatment Waste water treatment beyond the secondary or
biological state that includes removal of nutrients such as phosphorous and
nitrogen and a high percentage 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
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RESOURCES
Resources
State
Air
RCRA/Hazardous Waste
Colorado Air Pollution Control Division
Dept of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver. CO 802461530
(303) 692-3442
Montana Air Program
Dept of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
P.O.Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-3490
Solid Waste & Incident Mgmt Sect
Dept of Public Health & Enviiomnent
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) 444-1435
N Dakota Air Quality Program
Department of Health
918 East Divide Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501-194/
(701) 328-5188
Div of Waste Management
Department of Health
918 East Divide Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501-1947
(701) 328-5166
S Dakota Air Quality Program
S D Dept of Env. & Natural Res
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501 3181
(605) 773-3151
Div of Environmental Regulations
Dept of Env & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501 3182
(605) 773-3153
Utah Utah Division ol Air Quality
Dept of Environmental Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114 4850
(801) 536-4000
Div of Solid & Hazardous Waste
Dept of Environmental Quality
P O Box 144080
Salt L ake City, UT 841 14-4820
(801) 536-4000
Wyoming Air Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building
122 West 25th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-7391
Solid Waste Program
Dept of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 411, Floor
122 West 25'" Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002 0600
(307) 777-7752
U.S.EPA U S EPA (8P-AR)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(303) 312-6312
U S EPA (8P-HW)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1 129
(800) 227-8917
Waste Minimization Program
(303) 312-6403
RCRA Hotline (800) 424-9346
93
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RESOURCES
State Solid Waste
Colorado Solid Waste & Incident Mgmt Sec
Dept Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303) 692- 3300/3348
Montana Solid & Hazardous Waste Bureau
MT Dept of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
P O Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620 0901
(406) 444-1435
N Dakota Division of Waste Management
Department of Health
918 East Divide Drive
Bismarck, ND 58501 1947
(701) 328-5166
S Dakota Divof Environmental Regulations
Dept of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-5027
Utah Div of Solid & Hazardous Waste
Dept of Environmental Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, IJT 84114 4880
(801) 538-6170
Wyoming Solid & Hazardous Waste Division
Dept of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4lh Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-7752
US EPA U S EPA (BP HW)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1299
(900) 312-7008
Recycling
Solid Waste Section
Dept Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303) 692 3348/3337
Recycling & Mkting Dev
MT Dept of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
P O Box 200901
Helena. MT 59620-0901
(406) 841-5253/5217
Recycling
Department of Health
9tfl East Divide Drive
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701) 328-5166
Waste Mgmt
Dept. of Env & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-4985/3153;
Recycling Program
Dept of Environmental Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4880
(801) 538-6341
TAX (801) 538 6715
Recyling
Dept Environmental Quality
303 Energy Lane
Casper, WY 82604
(307) 473-3668/3487
U S EPA (8P HW)
Waste Minimization Program
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1299
(303) 312-6974/600
94
-------
RESOURCES
State Underground Storage Tanks
Brownfieids
Colorado State Oil Inspection Prog Managei
Division of Oil & Public Safety
633 17th Street, Suite 500
80202 3660
(303) 318 8500
Montana UST Section Supeivisor
Dept. of Env Quality
520 East Sixth Ave
P O Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-5300
N Dakota UST Program Managei
Waste Management Division
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701) 328-5166
S Dakota Storage Tanks Section Manager
Dept of Env & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitot
Pierre, SD 57501-3182
(605) 773-3296
Utah UST Section Manager
Dept of Env Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4840
(801) 536-4100
Wyoming UST Program Manager
Solid & Hazardous Waste Div
Dept Of Env Quality
Herschler Building, 4lh F loor
122 West 25th Streets
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0001
(307) 777-7244
U S EPA U S EPA (8P-W-GW)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(303) 312- 6354
(800) 227-891 7
Colorado Brownfieids
Dept of Public Health 8 Env
4300 Cherry Creek Dr South Denver, CO
Denver, CO 80246 1530
(303) 692 3398
Brownfieids Program
Dept of Env Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
P O Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 841-5071
Brownfieids Program
Department of Heath
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck. ND 58506-5520
(701) 328 5166
Brownfieids Program
Dept of Env & Natural Res
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-3296
Voluntary Ciean-up/Brownfields Program
Dept of Env Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt l ake City, UT 84114
(801) 536-4100
Brownfieids Assistance
Dept Of Env Quality
Herschler Building
122 West 25th Streets
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777 7752/ (307) 332-6924
U S EPA (BEPR-B)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202 1129
(303) 312-6943
95
-------
RESOURCES
State
Colorado
Water Quality Protection Section
Dept of Public Health & Env
4300 Cherry Creek Dr South
Denver. CO 80246 1530
(303) 692 3500
Montana Public Water Supply Section
Dept of Environmental Quality
1 520 East Sixth Ave
P O Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620 0901
(406) 444-4400
U S EPA (HMO)
Federal Office Building
Drawer 10096, 301 S Park
Helena, MT 59626-0096
(406) 441 1140
Capacity Development
Water Quality Protection Section
Dept of Public Health & Environ
4300 Cherry Creek Dr 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) 441-4806
N Dakota Drinking Water Program
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701) 328 5259
S Dakota Office of Drinking Water
Dept Env & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-3754
Utah Division of Drinking Water
Dept of Environ Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City. IJT 84114-4870
(801) 536-4200
Wyoming (See U S EPA)
U S EPA U S EPA (8P-W-DW)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver. CO 80202-1129
(303) 312-6812
or (800) 227-6917
FAX (877) 876 9101
Drinking Water Program
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701) 328-5210
Office of Drinking Water
Dept Env & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Budding
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-3754
Division of Drinking Water
Dept of Environmental Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4830
(801) 536-4200
Water Quality Division
Dept. of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building
122 West 25th Streets
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-7781
U S EPA (8P-W-DW)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(303) 312-6625
Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791
96
-------
RESOURCES
State Injection Wells
Coloiado Shallow Injection Wells
(See U S EPA)
Montana U S Federal Building
10 W 15"' St Suite 3200
Helena, MT 59626
(406) 457-5015
N Dakota Water Quality Division
Department of Health
918 East Divide Ave , 41" F loor
Bismarck, ND 58501-1913
(701) 323-5213
S Dakota (See U S EPA)
Utah Water Quality Division
Dept of Environmental Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801) 538-6146
Wyoming Water Quality Division
Dept of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 41" Floor
122 West 25'" Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-5623
U S EPA U S EPA (8P-W-GW)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202 1129
(303) 312-6137
SDWA Hotline (800) 426-4791
Source Water Assessment &
Protection
Dept of Public Health & Environ
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303) 692-3598
Pollution Pievention Buieau
Dept of Environmental Quality
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 441-4806
U S EPA (8MO)
Federal Office Building
10West 15'" Street, Suite 32O0
Helena, MT 59626-0096
(406) 441-1123
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 Resource
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capital
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-3296
Division of Drinking Water
Dept of Environmental Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 841 14 48/0
(801) 536 4195
Water Quality Division
Dept of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4,h Flooi
122 West 25'" Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-5985
U S EPA (8P-W-GW)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(303) 312 6719
SDWA Hotline (800) 426-4791
97
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RESOURCES
State Water Quality Standards
Colorado Water Quality Control Division
Dept of Public Health & Env
4300 Cherry Creek Dr South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303) 692-3500
Montana Water Ouality Division
Dept of Env Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
P O.Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620 0901
(406) 444-2406
N Dakota Division of Water Quality
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, NO 58506 5520
(701) 328-5201
S Dakota Division ot Water Quality
Joe F oss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501 3131
(605) 773-3153
Utah Division of Water Quality
Dept of Env Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801) 538-6146
Protection of Water Bodies
Dept of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman St, Room 718
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-4901
Wetlands Program
Water Quality Bureau
Dept of Env Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
P O Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620 0901
(406) 444-2406
ND Water Commission
900 Fast Boulevard Ave
Bismarck, ND 58505-0850
(701) 328-4940
DepV Agriculture/Wetlands Prog
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-4432
Governor's Office Plan, & Budget
State Capitol, Room 116
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801) 538-1548
Wyoming Water Quality Division
Dept of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4m Floor
122 West 25'" Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002 0600
(307) 77/ 7072
US EPA U S EPA (8EPR-EP)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202 1129
(303) 312-6943
Dept Of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4"' Floor
122 West 25'" Street
Cheyenne. WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-7081
U S EPA (8EPR-EP)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(303) 312-6340
Public Outreach
(303) 312-6056
98
-------
RESOURCES
State Non-Point Source
Colorado Water Quality Control Division
Dept. of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246 1530
(303) 692-3512/5380
Montana Water Quality Division
Department of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
P O Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 441-5319/531/
N Dakota Division of Water Quality
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701) 328-5210
Water Quality Permits
Water Quality Protection Section
Dept of Public Health Environment
4300 Cherry Cieek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246 1530
(303) 692-3500
Div Permitting & Compliance
Water
Dept. of Environment Quality
1520 East Sixtti Ave
P.O.Box 200901
Helena. MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-3080
Division of Water Quality
Department of Health
918 East Divide Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501-1947
(701) 328-5200
S Dakota Division of Water Quality
Dept. of Env. & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-4254/2813
Utah Division of Water Quality
Dept of Environmental Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4830
(801) 536-6146/7177
Wyoming Dept of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building. 4lh Floor
122 West 25"' Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-5622/7079
Division of Surface Water Quality
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
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801) 538-6146
Water Quality Division
Dept of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building. 4lh Floor
122 West 25'" Street
Cheyenne. WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-5985
U S EPA U S EPA (8P-W-MS)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(303} 312-6835/6237
U S EPA (8P-W-WW)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202 1129
(303) 312-6373
CWA Hotline (800) 227-9441
99
-------
RESOURCES
State Biosolids
Colorado Dept of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303) 692-361 3
Montana U S EPA (8MO)
Federal Office Building
10 West 15'" Street, Suite 3200
Helena, MT 59626-0096
(406) 441 5486
N Dakota (See U S F.PA)
S Dakola Division of Water Resource Mgmt
Dept of Env & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-3351 - Technical Assistance
Utah Division of Water Qualify
Dept of Environmental Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801) 538-6146 - Technical Assistance
Wyoming Water Quality Division
Dept of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4lh Floor
122 West 25,h Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-7775 - Technical Assistance
U S EPA U S EPA (8P-W-WW)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(303) 312-6373
U.S. EPA
(202) 260-7077
Pretreatment
(See U S EPA)
U S EPA (8MO)
Federal Office Building
10 West 15'" Street, Suite 3200
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 Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-3351
Division of Water Quality
Dept of Environmental Quality
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801) 538-6146
(See US EPA)
U S EPA (8P-W-WW)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(303) 312-6373
100
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RESOURCES
State
Storm Water
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Colorado Water Quality Control Division
Dept of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303) 692-3500
Montana Permitting & Compliance Division
Department of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
P O Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620 0901
(406) 444-3080
N Dakota Division of Water Quality
Department of Health
918 East Divide Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501-1947
(701) 328-5210
S Dakota Division of Environmental Services
Dept of Env & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501 -3181
(605) 773-3351
Utah Division of Water Quality
Dept of Environmental Quality
P O Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 841 14 4830
(801) 538-6146
Wyoming Division of Water Quality
Dept of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4"' Floor
122 West 25"' Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002 0600
(307) 777 -7/81
U S EPA U S EPA (8EPR-EP)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(303) 312-6234
Outieach & Assistance Unit
Water Quality Control Division
Dept of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246 1530
(303) 692 3374
Technical & Financial Assistance Bureau
Department of Environmental Quality
1520 Easl Sixth Ave
P O Box 200901
Helena, MT 59630-0901
(406) 444-5321
Div of Municipal Facilities
Department of Health
918 East Divide Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501-1947
(701) 328-5220
Div of Financial & Technical Assistance
Dept Of Env Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501 3181
(605) 773-3128
Division of Water Quality
Dept of Environmental Quality
P O Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801) 530-4340
Division of Water Quality
Dept of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building, 4"' Floor
122 West 25th Streets
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0600
(307) 777-6371
U S EPA (8P-W-TF)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1 129
(303) 312-6277
101
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State
Colorado
Montana
N Dakota
S Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
U S EPA
RESOURCES
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Water Quality Protection Section
Water Quality Control Division
Dept of Public Health & Environment
<1300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246 1530
(303) 692 3500
Tech Financial Assistance Bureau
Dept of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
P.O.Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620 0901
(406) 994-5325
Division of Municipal Facilities
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58506-5520
(701) 328-5259
Water & Waste Water Funding Asst
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
168 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(801) 536-0048
Office of State Lands & Investments
Herschler Building
122 West 25"' Street
Cheyenne, WV 82002-0600
(307) 777-6371
EPCRA
Office of Env Integration & Sustainability
Dept of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80222-1530
(303) 692 2977
Dept of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-6780
Dept of Emergency Services
P O Box 5511
Bismarck, ND 58502-5511
(701) 328-8100 or (800) 472-2121
Dept of Env & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(800) 433-2288
Div of Env Response & Remediation
Dept of Environmental Quality
168 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City UT 84116
(801) 636-4242
State Emergency Response Comm
WY Office of Homeland Security
122 W 25"' Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777 4900
U S EPA (8P-W-TF)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(303) 312 -7823
Toxics Release Inventory
U S EPA (8P-PRT)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 00202-1129
SARA Title III
U S EPA (EPR-SA)
Same Address as Above
EPCRA Hotline (800)424-9346
102
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State
RESOURCES
Asbestos
Indoor Environments/Radon
Coloiado Air Pollution Control Division
Dept of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246 1530
(303) 692 3164
Hazardous Material & Waste Mgrnt Div
Dept of Public Health & Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303) 692 3442
Denver Sept. of Health & Hospitals
605 Bannock Street, Room 333
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 285-4057
Montana Air & Waste Management Bureau
Dept of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
P.O Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620 0901
(406) 444 2690
N Dakota Div.of Environmental Engineering
Department of Health
918 East Divide Ai/enue, 3"' Floor
Bismarck, ND 58501-1947
(701) 328-5188
S Dakota Div of Environmental Regulations
Dept of Env & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building, 523 Easl Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-3153
Utah Division of Air Quality
Dept of Environmental Quality
P.O Box 144820
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4820
(801) 536-4173
Wyoming Air Quality Division
Dept of Environmental Quality
Herschler Building
122 West 25th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82092 0600
(307) 777-7394
U S EPA U S EPA (8P-P3T)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(800) 227 891 7
Hotline ASHAA (Schools)
(800) 462 6706
Dept of Environmental Quality
1520 East Sixth Ave
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620 090!
(406) 444-6836
Department of Health
918 East Divide Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501-1947
(701) 328-5188
Dept of Env & Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building, 523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501 3181
(605) 773-3151
Division of Radiation Control
Dept of Environmental Quality
P O. Box 144850
Sail Lake City, UT 841 14-4850
(801) 636-0091
Department of Health
6101 Yellowstone
Qwest Building, Suite 510
Cheyenne, WY 82002 0600
(307) 777-6015
U S EPA (8P-AR)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1 129
(303) 312-6312
(800) 767-7236
103
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RESOURCES
State Pesticides
Colorado Department of Agriculture
Division of Plant Industry
700 Kipling Street, Suite 4000
Lakewood, CO 80215-8000
(303) 239-4100
h11£ //wwwcc)(or ado gov
Pollution Prevention
Office of Environ. Integration &
Sustamability Program
Dept of Public Health & Enviionment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303) 692-2977
Montana Department of Agriculture
302 North Roberts Street
Helena, MT 59620 0901
(406) 444-3144
http.//agr nrit gov
MT St University Ext Service
102 Taylor Hall
Bozernan, MT 59717-3580
(406) 994-6948
N Dakota Department of Agriculture
600 E Boulevard Dept 602
Bismarck, ND 58505-0020
(701) 328-2231
(800) 242-7535
http://www aqdeptment com
Division of Waste Management
Department of Health
918 East Divide Avenue, 3"
Bismark, ND 58501 1947
(701) 328-5266
Floor
S Dakota Department of Agriculture (See U S EPA)
Division of Agricultural Services
Joe Foss Building, 523 East Capitol
Pierre. SD 57501-3182
(605) 773-4432
http //www slate.sd doa das
Utah Department of Agriculture & F ood
350 N Redwood Road
P O Box 146500
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6500
(801) 538- 7100
http 7/aq utah gov/
Wyoming Department of Agriculture
Technical Services Division
2219 Carey Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-7324
http //wyaqric state wy us/
U S EPA U S EPA
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1 129
(800) 227-8917
Dept of Environmental Quality
122 West 25"' Street
Salt Lake City, (JT 84114-4820
(801) 536-4108
Dept of Environmental Quality
122 West 25th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-7347
U S EPA (8P-P3T)
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(800) 227-6385
104
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SEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
U.S. EPA Region 8
Office of Partnerships and Regulatory Assistance
EPA 908K10003
www.epa.gov
December 2010
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