1. 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 Vaughn

2. 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.

3. Examples of CECs
Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) (e.g., flame retardants, TEFLON® non-stick coating, Fire- fighting foam, stain repellant)
Va. SWMR analytes: ,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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. SDWA Evaluation of CECs

8. 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

9. CCL, Cont’d
CCL 4 includes 97 chemicals or chemical groups and 12 microbial contaminants
Includes,
perfluorinated compounds PFAS
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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Example #1 - PFAS
Synthetic compounds formed from carbon chains with fluorine
The C-F bond is the strongest in nature and imparts unique characteristics
PFAS are surfactants that repel oil and water, reduce wear or surface adhesion
Introduced in1948 (Teflon®) with a great increase in use in the late 1960s and 1970s
At low concentrations, many have significant water solubility
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

14. PFAS 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

15. PFAS are Not New 3M made C8 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
Today – finding more and more exposure of GenX
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

16. PFAS Health Concerns
Persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic to laboratory animals
Toxicity to humans is being studied
May function as endocrine disruptors
PFCs 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

17. PFAS Health Concerns
EPA’s National Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. May 22-23, 2018 to take action on PFAS
Identify risks from PFAS
Develop monitoring and cleanup techniques
Identify specific near-term actions facing states and local communities
Develop risk communication strategies to help communities address public concerns with PFAS
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

18. 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

19. Remediation Challenges, Cont’d
For more information on groundwater remediation, contact:
Ms. Bilgen Yuncu, Ph.D., P.E., CAPM
SolutionsIES / Draper Aden Associates
(919)
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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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
PFAS – 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

23. 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