Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Limited alternative
to filtration
Allows systems with fully controlled pristine watersheds to avoid filtration if USEPA and state agree that health is protected
through other effective inactivation of microbial contaminants.
USEPA has 4 years to regulate recycling of filter backwash.
Effective date of
rules
Extends compliance time from 18 months (current law) to 3 years, with available extensions of up to 5 years total.
Arsenic
Requires USEPA to set new standard by 2001 using new standard setting language, after more research and consultation with the
National Academy of Science (NAS). The law authorizes $2.5 million/year for 4 years for research.
Sulfate
USEPA has 30 months to complete a joint study with the Federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to establish a reliable
dose-response relationship. Must consider sulfate for regulation within 5 years. If USEPA decides to regulate sulfate, it must
include public notice requirements and allow alternative supplies to be provided to at-risk populations.
Radon
Requires USEPA to withdraw its proposed radon standard and to set a new standard in 4 years, after NAS conducts a risk
assessment and a study of risk-reduction benefits associated with various mitigation measures. Authorizes cost-benefit analysis
for radon, taking into account costs and benefits of indoor air radon control measures. States or water systems obtaining USEPA
approval of a multimedia radon program in accordance with USEPA guidelines would only have to comply with a weaker
“alternative maximum contaminant level” for radon that would be based on the contribution of outdoor radon to indoor air.
State primacy
Primacy states have 2 years to adopt new or revised regulations no less stringent than federal ones; they are allowed 2 or more
years if USEPA finds it necessary and justified.
Provides states with interim enforcement authority between the time they submit their regulations to USEPA and USEPA
approval
Enforcement and
judicial review
Streamlines USEPA administrative enforcement, increases civil penalties, clarifies enforceability of lead ban and other previously
ambiguous requirements, allows enforcement to be suspended in some cases to encourage system consolidation or
restructuring, requires states to have administrative penalty authority, and clarifies provisions for judicial review of final USEPA
actions.
Public right to
know
“Consumer Confidence Reports” provision requires consumers be told at least annually: (1) the levels of regulated contaminants
detected in tap water; (2) what the enforceable maximum contaminant levels and the health goals are for the contaminants (and
what those levels mean); (3) the levels found of unregulated contaminants required to be monitored; (4) information on the
system's compliance with health standards and other requirements; (5) information on the health effects of regulated
contaminants found at levels above enforceable standards and on health effects of up to three regulated contaminants found at
levels below USEPA enforceable health standards where health concerns may still exist; and (6) USEPA's toll-free hotline for
further information.
Governors can waive the requirement to mail these reports for systems serving under 10,000 people, but systems must still
publish the report in the paper.
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