12 Va. Admin. Code § 5-590-382

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 22, June 17, 2024

Section 12VAC5-590-382 - Inorganic chemicals compliance

A. When the results of sampling for antimony, arsenic, asbestos, barium, beryllium, cadmium, cyanide (as free cyanide), chromium, fluoride, mercury, nickel, selenium, or thallium exceed the applicable PMCL, the owner shall collect a confirmation sample at the same sampling point within two weeks of notification of the analytical results of the first sample. The fluoride PMCL applies only to community waterworks.

1. The results of the initial and confirmation samples shall be averaged to determine compliance with subsection A of this section. The department has the discretion to delete results of obvious sampling errors.

2. Compliance with the PMCLs for antimony, arsenic, asbestos, barium, beryllium, cadmium, cyanide (as free cyanide), chromium, fluoride, mercury, nickel, selenium, and thallium listed in Table 340.1 shall be determined based on the analytical results obtained at each sampling point.

a. For the owner of a waterworks that conducts monitoring more frequently than annually, compliance with the PMCL for antimony, arsenic, asbestos, barium, beryllium, cadmium, cyanide (as free cyanide), chromium, fluoride, mercury, nickel, selenium, or thallium is determined by an RAA at each sampling point. If the average at any sampling point is greater than the PMCL, then the waterworks is out of compliance. If any single sample would cause the annual average to be exceeded, then the waterworks is out of compliance immediately. A sample result below the MDL shall be calculated as zero for the purpose of determining the annual average. If the owner fails to collect the required number of samples, compliance (average concentration) shall be based on the total number of samples collected.

b. For the owner of a waterworks that monitors annually or less frequently, the waterworks is not out of compliance with the PMCL for antimony, arsenic, asbestos, barium, beryllium, cadmium, cyanide (as free cyanide), chromium, fluoride, mercury, nickel, selenium, or thallium if the average of the original sample and a confirmation sample of a contaminant at any sampling point is greater than the PMCL. If sample results for the owner monitoring annually or less frequently exceed the PMCL, the owner shall begin quarterly sampling. The owner shall not be considered in violation of the PMCL until one year of quarterly sampling has been completed and the RAA is exceeded. However, if the confirmation sample is not collected, the owner is in violation of the PMCL for antimony, arsenic, asbestos, barium, beryllium, cadmium, cyanide (as free cyanide), chromium, fluoride, mercury, nickel, selenium, or thallium. If the owner fails to collect the required number of samples, then compliance (average concentration) shall be based on the total number of samples collected.

B. Compliance with the PMCLs for nitrate and nitrite shall be determined based on the analytical results obtained at each sampling point. The waterworks is not out of compliance with the PMCL if the concentrations of these contaminants are equal to or below the PMCLs. Where nitrate or nitrite sample results exceed the PMCL, the owner shall collect a confirmation sample, from the same sampling point that exceeded the PMCL within 24 hours of the owner's receipt of the analytical results of the first sample. The results of the initial and confirmation sample shall be averaged to determine compliance. The owner unable to comply with the 24-hour sampling requirement shall immediately notify the consumers in the area served by the waterworks in accordance with 12VAC5-590-540 A 1. The owner exercising this option shall collect and analyze a confirmation sample within two weeks of notification of the analytical results of the first sample. The department may require more frequent monitoring. The department has the discretion to delete results of obvious sampling errors.

1. Nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) levels not exceeding 20 mg/L may be allowed in a noncommunity waterworks if the owner:

a. Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department that this water will not be available to children under six months of age;

b. Provides continuous posting of the fact that NO₃-N levels exceed 10 mg/L and the potential health effects of exposure;

c. Notifies health officials annually of NO₃-N levels that exceed 10 mg/L; and

d. The department shall determine that no adverse health effects will result.

2. Nitrite in water poses a significant health hazard. Water with nitrite-nitrogen concentrations over 1 mg/L should not be used for infant feedings.

C. Compliance with the SMCLs for aluminum, chloride, copper, corrosivity, fluoride, foaming agents, iron, manganese, silver, sulfate, or zinc shall be determined based on the analytical results obtained at each sampling point. When the result of a sample exceeds the applicable SMCL, the owner shall collect a confirmation sample at the same sampling point within two weeks of notification of the analytical results of the first sample. The results of the initial and confirmation samples shall be averaged to determine compliance. If the average concentration level of any of these constituents exceeds the SMCL, then the department shall determine whether treatment for the constituents can be accomplished or more suitable source waters are, or can be made, available. This determination shall be made as quickly as possible. If either of these alternatives is feasible, then corrective action shall be promptly implemented by the owner if deemed necessary by the department. Exceeding the fluoride SMCL requires annual public notice in accordance with 12VAC5-590-540 G.

12 Va. Admin. Code § 5-590-382

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 20, eff. 6/23/2021.

Statutory Authority: §§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-170 of the Code of Virginia.