Ohio Proposes Changes To Permit To Install Rule

Ohio EPA has proposed rule changes in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-42. Chapter 3745-42 covers the requirements for wastewater permits to install (PTIs).The rules are being amended as part of the five-year rule review requirements in Ohio Revised Code section 106.


The Agency has reviewed these rules and has identified necessary changes. New exemptions are being considered, with qualifiers, for:
•building sewers, sanitary sewer replacement projects, in situ sanitary sewer repairs,
•repair or replacement of a treatment works component, media or equipment, modifications within existing treatment works infrastructure,
•disposal systems designed to be a best management practice under a storm water National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit,
•treatment works pilot study, •installation of on line monitoring or process control equipment, •installation of odor control equipment,
•remodel or replacement of buildings or laboratories located at a treatment works, and
•filtration systems, ion exchange systems and oil skimmers on process tanks that serve manufacturing equipment.


Click here to review examples of Caltha projects related to permitting. Click here for examples of project Caltha has conducted for clients located in Ohio.

Minnesota Issues Update To Drinking Water Guidance For Glyphosate

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has issued its final health-based guidance on glyphosate. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that controls broadleaf weeds, grasses, and aquatic plants. Glyphosate is sold under several different trade names, including products sold for home use. It is applied in agriculture, forestry, lawn care, and gardening.


The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) regularly monitors groundwater and surface water for glyphosate. It is frequently detected at low levels in both urban and rural surface waters. In 2016, the highest level detected in surface water was 42.8 micrograms per liter (μg/L. MDA’s groundwater monitoring efforts have not yet detected glyphosate in groundwater. Since 1993, glyphosate has only been detected four times in Minnesota public drinking water systems, at levels that range from 1.1 to 39 μg/L


Glyphosate has been under review by MDH. Based on available information, MDH developed a guidance value of 500 ppb for glyphosate in drinking water. Glyphosate is a primary drinking water contaminant of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and has a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) and Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) of 700 ppb.