Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-7-2-.22

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 12, September 30, 2024

Section 335-7-2-.22 - Assessments

(1) Systems must conduct assessments after exceeding treatment technique triggers listed below:

(a) Level 1 treatment technique triggers.

1. For systems collecting 40 or more samples per month, the system exceeds 5.0% total coliform-positive samples for the month.

2. For systems collecting fewer than 40 samples per month, the system has two or more total coliform-positive samples in the same month.

3. The system fails to collect every required repeat sample after any total coliform-positive sample.

(b) Level 2 treatment technique triggers.

1. An E. coli MCL violation.

2. A second Level 1 trigger within a rolling 12-month period, unless the Department has determined a likely reason for the total coliform positive samples that caused the first Level 1 treatment technique trigger and has established that the system has corrected the problem.

(2) Requirements for the assessments include the following:

(a) Systems must ensure that Level 1 and 2 assessments are conducted in order to identify the possible presence of sanitary defects and defects in distribution system coliform monitoring practices. Level 2 assessments must be conducted by parties approved by the Department.

(b) When conducting assessments, the systems must ensure that the minimum elements are evaluated including review and identification of inadequacies in sample sites; sampling protocol; sample processing; non typical events that could affect distribution water quality or indicate that distribution water quality was impaired; changes in distribution system maintenance and operation that could affect distribution water quality (including water storage); source and treatment considerations that bear on distribution water quality, where appropriate (e.g., small ground water systems); and existing water quality monitoring data. The system must conduct the assessment consistent with any Department directives that address specific assessment elements with respect to the size and type of the system and the size, type, and characteristics of the distribution system.

(c) The system must complete a Level 1 or 2 assessment as soon as practical after any trigger is exceeded. In the completed assessment form, the system must describe sanitary defects detected, corrective actions completed, and a proposed timetable for any corrective actions not already completed. The assessment form may also note that no sanitary defects were identified. The system must submit the completed Level 1 assessment form to the Department within 30 days after the system learns that it has exceeded a trigger.

(d) After the Department reviews the completed Level 1 or 2 assessment and determines that the assessment is not sufficient, revisions may be required to the assessment form. The system must submit a revised assessment form to the Department on an agreed-upon schedule not to exceed 30 days from the date of notification.

(e) A system must ensure that a Level 2 assessment consistent with Department requirements is conducted if the system exceeds one of the treatment technique triggers. The system must comply with any expedited or additional actions required by the Department in the case of an E. coli MCL violation.

(f) The system may conduct Level 2 assessments if the system has staff or management with the certifications or qualifications specified by the Department unless otherwise directed by the Department.

(3) Systems must correct sanitary defects found in either a Level 1 or 2 assessment. For corrective actions not completed by the time of submission of the assessment form, the system must complete the corrective action(s) in compliance with a timetable approved by the Department. The system must notify the Department when each scheduled corrective action is completed.

(4) A treatment technique violation occurs when a system exceeds a treatment technique trigger and then fails to conduct the required assessment or complete corrective actions within the timeframe specified in the assessment or by the Department.

(5) Failure to submit completed assessment form after a system properly conducts an assessment in a timely manner is a reporting violation.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-7-2-.22

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIII, Issue No. 01, October 31, 2014, eff. 11/25/2014.

Author: Thomas S. DeLoach

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-23-33, 22-23-49, 22-22A-5, 22-22A-6.