Contaminants of Emerging Concern: What Are they? Why Should Solid Waste Facility Managers Care? Billy Newcomb, P.G. Bilgen Yuncu, Ph.D., P.E., CAPM Johanna Vaughan

What is a Contaminant of Emerging Concern? Not necessarily a new chemical A constituent (chemical, microbe) with potential or real threat to human health Lack of published health standards Discovery of a new source or a new pathway to humans Previous reviews (Halling-Sorensen et al., 1998; Daughton and Ternes, 1999; Heberer, 2002; Diaz-Cruz and Barcelo, 2004; Glassmeyer et al., 2008; Kostich et al., 2010; Delgado et al., 2012; Pal et al., 2014; Li et al., 2015; Petrie et al., 2015) have summarized the peer-reviewed literature reporting the occurrences of these chemicals in water resources. Initially termed “emerging contaminants”, there is some misperception that the term suggests that these chemicals have only recently been released into the environment. In fact, these chemicals have been released as long as they have been in use, and some compounds (such as caffeine) have been detected in wastewater (Shuval and Gruener, 1973; Shackelford and Cline, 1986), surface water (Donaldson, 1977; Sheldon and Hites, 1978; Eganhouse et al., 1983; Richardson and Bowron, 1985), and drinking water (Coleman et al., 1980) for several decades. What is emerging is greater awareness by the general public of the presence of these contaminants in the environment and the direct link of environmental presence to household use. The ability of environmental scientists to detect extremely low ambient concentrations of these contaminants, aided by improvements to the analytical instrumentation, further fosters this awareness. Thus, the term “contaminants of emerging concern” (CECs) is a more appropriate choice when describing these contaminants in aggregate.

Examples of CECs Perfluorinated compounds PFOS & PFOA (e.g., flame retardant, TEFLON® non-stick coating, stain repellant) Va. SWMR analytes: 1,1-Dichloroethane, Cobalt, Vanadium Previous reviews (Halling-Sorensen et al., 1998; Daughton and Ternes, 1999; Heberer, 2002; Diaz-Cruz and Barcelo, 2004; Glassmeyer et al., 2008; Kostich et al., 2010; Delgado et al., 2012; Pal et al., 2014; Li et al., 2015; Petrie et al., 2015) have summarized the peer-reviewed literature reporting the occurrences of these chemicals in water resources. Initially termed “emerging contaminants”, there is some misperception that the term suggests that these chemicals have only recently been released into the environment. In fact, these chemicals have been released as long as they have been in use, and some compounds (such as caffeine) have been detected in wastewater (Shuval and Gruener, 1973; Shackelford and Cline, 1986), surface water (Donaldson, 1977; Sheldon and Hites, 1978; Eganhouse et al., 1983; Richardson and Bowron, 1985), and drinking water (Coleman et al., 1980) for several decades. What is emerging is greater awareness by the general public of the presence of these contaminants in the environment and the direct link of environmental presence to household use. The ability of environmental scientists to detect extremely low ambient concentrations of these contaminants, aided by improvements to the analytical instrumentation, further fosters this awareness. Thus, the term “contaminants of emerging concern” (CECs) is a more appropriate choice when describing these contaminants in aggregate.

How are CECs Identified? Federal Safe Drinking Water Act Also, Research and regulatory awareness Analytical instrumentation advancements Public Awareness (e.g., GenX, Cape Fear River, NC) Previous reviews (Halling-Sorensen et al., 1998; Daughton and Ternes, 1999; Heberer, 2002; Diaz-Cruz and Barcelo, 2004; Glassmeyer et al., 2008; Kostich et al., 2010; Delgado et al., 2012; Pal et al., 2014; Li et al., 2015; Petrie et al., 2015) have summarized the peer-reviewed literature reporting the occurrences of these chemicals in water resources. Initially termed “emerging contaminants”, there is some misperception that the term suggests that these chemicals have only recently been released into the environment. In fact, these chemicals have been released as long as they have been in use, and some compounds (such as caffeine) have been detected in wastewater (Shuval and Gruener, 1973; Shackelford and Cline, 1986), surface water (Donaldson, 1977; Sheldon and Hites, 1978; Eganhouse et al., 1983; Richardson and Bowron, 1985), and drinking water (Coleman et al., 1980) for several decades. What is emerging is greater awareness by the general public of the presence of these contaminants in the environment and the direct link of environmental presence to household use. The ability of environmental scientists to detect extremely low ambient concentrations of these contaminants, aided by improvements to the analytical instrumentation, further fosters this awareness. Thus, the term “contaminants of emerging concern” (CECs) is a more appropriate choice when describing these contaminants in aggregate.

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Established in 1974 Amended in 1996 Gives U.S. EPA authority to regulate contaminants in drinking water, and protect drinking water sources The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

Process for Evaluating a CEC EPA develops a Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) every 5 years PWS >10,000 collect data Regulatory Decision for at least five contaminants each 5-year cycle Establish a drinking water standard Issue a Health Advisory Defer to next review cycle Drop from CCL The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

SDWA Evaluation of CECs

Contaminant Candidate List First CCL 1 announced on March 1998 …fast forward: CCL 4 announced November 2016 Carried forward analytes from CCL 3 Except regulatory determinations Evaluated new data for CCL 1 and CCL 2 The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

CCL, Cont’d CCL 4 includes 97 chemicals or chemical groups and 12 microbial contaminants Includes, perfluorinated compounds PFOS and PFOA VSWMR analytes 1,1-DCA, Cobalt, Vanadium (and others) The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) SDWA requires EPA issue a new list of no more than 30 unregulated contaminants to be monitored by PWS with >10,000 customers Logically: the UCMR 4 considers “CCL 4” for potential addition The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

A CCL may become regulated under SDWA if: It has an adverse effect on human health It occurs in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern Regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

Why Should You Care – Isn’t this a Public Water Supply Issue? If CCL analyte graduates to regulated contaminant, it could significantly impact leachate management, landfill gas management, and groundwater monitoring and corrective action Good to be aware of this Program Will likely keep cycling The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

Example #1 Perfluorinated Compounds (PFAS) Most prevalent PFASs are: perfluorooctanioc acid (PFOA) aka C8 (8-carbon chain) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) Persistent, man-made chemicals that repel oil, grease and water Used in non-stick coatings (e.g., TEFLON®), fire suppressants, food contact paper, stain repellant (e.g., StainMaster® carpets). The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

PFOA / PFOS CEC Status 2009 – CCL-3 and Provisional Health Advisory 2012 – Added to UCMR – 3 2016 – Lifetime Health Advisory (70 ppt) Found globally in water, soil, air, food, breast milk, umbilical cord blood, and human blood serum Public concerns are mounting – found in bloodstream of 98% of the U.S. population

PFOS and PFOA: Not New 3M made C8 (PFOA) before phasing it out in 2000 2004 DuPont/Chemours C8 spill in West Virginia resulted in a $670M settlement DuPont made its own version called GenX June 2017: GenX found in drinking water in the Cape Fear River Basin, NC State of NC sued Chemours in 2017 The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

PFOS and PFOA Health Concerns Persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic to laboratory animals Toxicity to humans is being studied May function as endocrine disruptors PFASs can remain in the human body for 4 to 8 years The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

Remediation Challenges Not readily degradeable under natural conditions (i.e., MNA likely not successful) Difficult to remove by conventional water treatment methods The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

Remediation Challenges, Cont’d For more information on groundwater remediation, contact: Ms. Bilgen Yuncu, Ph.D., P.E., CAPM Solutions-IES / Draper Aden Associates (919) 873-1060 byuncu@daa.com The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

Concerns for Solid Waste Facilities Widely distributed in consumer goods In the landfill and incinerator waste streams Pervasive and Persistent difficult and expensive to remove from the waste stream, leachate, gas and groundwater. Could affect leachate treatment costs, Title V air compliance, landfill gas-to-energy economics and groundwater / surface water management costs The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

Example #2: VSWMR Analytes 1,1-DCA, Cobalt, Vanadium are on CCL 4 List Examples of VSWMR analytes These are routinely detected at landfills Regulated under Subtitle D and VSWMR GPS based on ACL or background If CCL graduates to National Primary Drinking Water Standard – Could affect Compliance Status and Cost The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

Prognosis This is not a game of “Gotcha” Continuing commitment to protecting public drinking water sources Long, thorough process – not knee-jerk Likely to continue - not on the chopping block PFOS / PFOA – Good chance we will be dealing with these compounds in the future Current VSWMR - No change anytime soon beyond yearly ACL revisions The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation

Conclusion https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr Keep an eye on the UCMR program: The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety EPA identifies contaminants to regulate in drinking water to protect public health. The Agency sets regulatory limits for the amounts of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. These contaminant standards are required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA works with states, tribes, and many other partners to implement these SDWA provisions. 1974 – established In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996 (USEPA, 1996) gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the authority to regulate contaminants in finished drinking water, as well as to protect drinking water sources. To regulate a contaminant in drinking water, the SDWA requires that three criteria must be met: 1) the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons, 2) the contaminant is known to occur or there is a substantial likelihood the contaminant will occur in drinking water with a frequency and at levels of public health concern, and 3) in the sole judgment of the USEPA Administrator, regulation of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity for reducing health risks for persons served by public water systems. The SDWA requires the USEPA to evaluate unregulated chemical and microbial contaminants which may necessitate future regulation