Revisions Proposed To Arizona Wastewater Rules

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is currently conducting its the Clean Water Act Triennial Review Rulemaking. The draft rule is make several changes to existing State rules. ADEQ proposes substantial changes to the following areas of the Rule:

• Definitions [A.A.C. R18-11-101]
• Mixing Zones [A.A.C. R18-11-114]
• Variances [A.A.C. R18-11-122]
• Numeric Water Quality Criteria [18 A.A.C. 11, Art. 1, Appendix A]
• E. Coli Numeric Water Quality Criteria [A.A.C. R18-11-109(A)]
• Site Specific Standard Criteria [A.A.C. R18-11-115]
• Enforcement [A.A.C. R18-11-120]
• Listed Site Specific Standards [18 A.A.C. 11, Art. 1, Appendix C]

ADEQ proposes minor technical corrections or clarifications to:

• Antidegradation [A.A.C. R18-11-107]
• Nutrient Criteria Language [A.A.C. R18-11-109(F)]
• Listed Surface Waters and Designated Uses [18 A.A.C. 11, Art. 1, Appendix B]

ADEQ is not proposing to make changes to the following areas of the RUle in this Triennial Review:

• Selenium Numeric Water Quality Criteria [18 A.A.C. 11, Art. 1, Appendix A]
• Outstanding Arizona Waters [A.A.C. R18-11-112]
• Surface Water Definition [A.A.C. R18-11-101]
• Effluent Dependent Water Definition or Applicability [A.A.C. R18-11-101 & A.A.C. R18-11-113]

Drinking Water Guidance Values To Be Reviewed In 2018

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) re-evaluates all human health risk guidance values developed since 2008 on a routine basis to keep existing health-based guidance values up to date with the most recent MDH risk assessment methodology and the available science. Incorporating new data and updating methodology can result in changes to existing guidance values or result in a recommendation for a more in-depth review.

Re-evaluations of seven contaminants with existing MDH guidance values are planned for the 2018 calendar year. The contaminants are:

•  Metolachlor ESA (already completed)
• Metoloachlor OXA
• Benzene
• Toluene
• Xylenes
• 1,1-Dichloroethylene
• Ethylbenzene

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New Human Health Water Standard For Exposure To Metolachor

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has completed a reevaluation of the existing water risk guidance for the metolachor, a widely used as an herbicide. The review included re-evaluation of the available data for existing health-based guidance values for metolachlor (s-metolachlor). As a result of the re-evaluation, the guidance values for metolachlor (s-metolachlor) were updated. The revised health based water guidance concentration is 300 µg/L for short-term exposure; the previous guidance value was 400 µg/L.

MDH conducts re-evaluations to keep existing health-based guidance values up to date with the most recent MDH risk assessment methodology and the available science. Incorporating new data and updating methodology may result in changes to existing guidance values. A re-evaluation may also result in a recommendation for a more in-depth review. MDH re-evaluates all guidance developed since 2008 on a routine basis.

Do I Need Permit To Apply Pesticide To Dry Waterbody?

FAQ: Do I Need An NPDES Permit To Apply Pesticide That Is Not Approved For Water Application?

Possibly. According to US EPA, some pesticide labels refer to “water” and not “waters of the United States.” It is possible that some pesticide products that are not approved for use in “water” may result in discharges to waters of the United States.

For example, waters of the United States may be dry at the time of pesticide application, and there may be situations where pesticides are applied to temporarily dry waterbodies using pesticides labeled for terrestrial or seasonally-dry use. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements apply regardless of whether the waters of the United States are wet or dry at the time of the discharge.

 

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FAQ: What Is "Residual Designation Authority"?

FAQ: What is EPA's Residual Designation Authority?

EPA can use its "residual designation" authority under 40 CFR 122.26(a)(9)(i)(C) and (D) to require NPDES permits for stormwater discharges or other category of discharges on a case-by-case basis when it determines that:

• the discharges contribute to a violation of water quality standards,,
• are a significant contributor of pollutant to federally protected surface waters, or
• controls are needed for the discharge based on wasteload allocations that are part of "total maximum daily loads" (TMDLs) that address the pollutant(s) of concern.

Industrial Waste Discharge To Storm Sewer


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Do Oil Sheens Need To Be Reported? What Is Sheen Rule?

Under the Clean Water Act, the "sheen rule" provides the framework for determining whether an oil spill should be reported to the federal government. Federal regulation requires the person in charge of a facility or vessel responsible for discharging oil that may be "harmful to the public health or welfare" to report the spill. The regulation establishes the criteria for determining whether an oil spill may be harmful to public health or welfare, thereby triggering the reporting requirements:

• · Discharges that cause a sheen or discoloration on the surface of a body of water;
• · Discharges that violate applicable water quality standards; and
• · Discharges that cause a sludge or emulsion to be deposited beneath the surface of the water or on adjoining shorelines.

These reporting criteria are independent of local or State spill reporting requirements. Therefore, spills might be reportable even if State spill reporting thresholds are not exceeded.

 
Hazardous Chemical Spill to Sewer Outside Manufacturing Plant

Because the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which amended the Clean Water Act, broadly defines the term "oil," the sheen rule applies to both petroleum and non-petroleum oils and fats (e.g., vegetable oil, milk). The regulation also provides several exemptions from the notification requirements.

Need more information of federal, State or local spill reporting requirements? Contact Caltha at info@calthacompany.com

   

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Iowa Proposes Rules To Create New General Wastewater Permits

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed two general discharge permits to cover two types of common and generally low risk discharges. DNR plans to issue two new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permits known as General Permit #8 (GP8) and General Permit #9 (GP9). GP8 allows for discharges of hydrostatic test water (water used to test the integrity of a pipe or tank), underground storage tank ballast water (water used to weight a tank to facilitate underground installation), and water associated with installation, repair, and replacement of potable water lines. GP9 allows for discharges from dewatering associated with construction and small residential geothermal heating and cooling systems. IDNR is proposing to include eligibility criteria and Best Management Practices. These will ensure that discharges will comply with water quality standards. Most permittees will be automatically authorized to discharge. Only a few higher-risk dischargers will need to submit a Notice of Intent. There is no fee for either permit. DNR is seeking public comment on proposed rules that will create two new general permits. DNR will hold three public hearings across the state in March:

• Wednesday, Mar. 7, 4 p.m. at the Coralville, IA Public Library
• Thursday, Mar. 8, 4 p.m. at the Harlan, IA Public Library
• Wednesday, Mar. 14, 4 p.m. at the Urbandale, IA Public Library

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