Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Ken Diehl, Environmental Protection Specialist IV San Antonio Water System ANNUAL TEXAS RECYCLING AND SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT San Antonio’s Approach to Emerging.

Similar presentations


Presentation on theme: "Ken Diehl, Environmental Protection Specialist IV San Antonio Water System ANNUAL TEXAS RECYCLING AND SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT San Antonio’s Approach to Emerging."— Presentation transcript:

1 Ken Diehl, Environmental Protection Specialist IV San Antonio Water System ANNUAL TEXAS RECYCLING AND SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT San Antonio’s Approach to Emerging Containments: MedDropSA - Residential Pharmaceutical Drug Disposal Program (October 3, 2011)

2 Page 2 October 3, 2011 Antioxidants Fire retardants Disinfectants Fumigants Fragrances Pesticides / Repellants Human Drugs Veterinary Drugs Antibiotics Hormones Steroids Plastics What are Micro-constituents, Endocrine Disruptor Compounds (EDCs), Pharmaceutical Personal Care Products (PPCPs), or Emerging Contaminants?

3 Page 3 October 3, 2011 Commonly Used Products Sunscreens Cosmetics Preservatives / Flavorings Oral Contraceptives Plastics Detergents Cleaning products Nail polish Perfumes Skin moisturizers Meat / growth hormones Fragrants Tobacco What Does this Mean?

4 Page 4 October 3, 2011 What EDCs Influence? Endocrine Systems Produce: –hormones –chemicals –messengers Source: University of Maryland Medical Center Regulates: – mood – growth & development – tissue function – metabolism – sexual function – reproductive processes

5 Page 5 October 3, 2011 Media: Associated Press Release Reported that drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas. Focused on surface water reservoirs, especially in New York, Las Vegas, and California. Article initiated questions from concerned customers. Anticipated long-term drinking water and wastewater discharge issue. AP Probe Finds Drugs in Drinking Water By JEFF DONN, MARTHA MENDOZA and JUSTIN PRITCHARD – Mar 9, 2008 A vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows. To be sure, the concentrations of these pharmaceuticals are tiny, measured in quantities of parts per billion or trillion, far below the levels of a medical dose. Also, utilities insist their water is safe………….. Catalyst for SAWS’ Activities

6 Page 6 October 3, 2011 Current Findings Scientists have discovered a range of adverse effects in wildlife exposed to pharmaceuticals and generally agree that aquatic life is most at risk. Male fish feminization has been documented, creating egg yolk proteins, a process usually restricted to females. - Colorado's Boulder Creek Study, 50 of the 60 (83%) white suckers collected downstream of Boulder's wastewater treatment plant were female, compared to about half of them upstream. Fish tissue tested positive for different pharmaceuticals. Arid regions of the West considered more vulnerable. - Larger senior populations - Streams predominantly effluent

7 Page 7 October 3, 2011 General EDC Information Primary concern is with surface drinking water –Edwards Aquifer is recharged by storm water, not surface water influenced by effluent Released for decades through human activities –Long-term chronic exposure vs. periodic large doses (dose response) –No demonstrated impact on human health. Our ability to measure contaminants currently exceeds our understanding of their affects. – ppb vs. ppt levels Very technically complex subject.

8 Page 8 October 3, 2011 EPA Activity: –Can risk of known or suspected EDCs be managed in a cost effective manner and what new tools are needed? –EPA uses a tiered screening and testing process to identify chemicals that interact with the endocrine system. –Amphibian Metamorphosis & Teratogenicity tests (frog embryo development assays) and fish short-term reproduction assays as a good indicators. –EPA has prepared a guidance document to help permit writers and pretreatment coordinators develop wastewater discharge permits and pretreatment requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. –The EPA regulates only one component of pharmaceuticals in drinking water, Lindane, an ingredient in delousing shampoos. –No regulatory standards or approved EPA testing methodologies. General EDC Information (continued)

9 Page 9 October 3, 2011 SAWS’ Initial Activities Internal Meetings Monthly Meeting – Started in March, 2009. Involved Numerous Departments with-in SAWS, collaborative effort. Goal: Identified strategies that are best for our community. Phased two-fold approach: 1. Sampling 2. Drug Disposal Program

10 Page 10 October 3, 2011 Two-Fold Approach 1. Sampling Utilized USGS for sampling and testing protocols. - Complex sampling and testing procedures Most recognized organization on the subject. Two of SAWS’ primary Edwards /pump stations and raw wastewater from four sewersheds. Data interpretation could be difficult. Worked with Communications Department.

11 Page 11 October 3, 2011 2. Drug Disposal Program Consideration Internal monthly meetings investigated: –How are other communities are handling the issue. –Local, State and Federal regulations, handling, diversion & disposal practices. –Operational challenges. –Partners and media message. Unused prescription drugs at home. - Adolescent, adult and senior drug abuse. Pharmacies reluctant/unable to take unused drugs. Complex regulations related to Drug handling. Two-Fold Approach

12 Page 12 October 3, 2011 Texas Legislative Initiative SB 1757 Studying Safe Handling & Disposal of Medical Waste The commission reported their results of the study to the legislature by December 1, 2010. TCEQ’s Water Supply Division, responsible for complying. SAWS was part of the Water Advisory Committee. The TCEQ recommended that a statewide education effort be initiated to begin providing the most current information to health-care providers, consumers and others on the topic of unused pharmaceuticals and their proper disposal.

13 Page 13 October 3, 2011 Federal Legislative Activities Proposed House Bills HR 1359 and SB 1292 PASSED Amends the CSA to provide for take-back disposal of controlled substances in certain instances. User may deliver controlled substance to authorized person. Care facilities dispose of drugs in a specific manner.

14 Page 14 October 3, 2011 Federal Legislative Activities Proposed House Bill HR 553 The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Enhancement Act of 2011 was introduced on May 5, 2010. Directs EPA to establish a plan and schedule that tests chemicals found in drinking water to determine whether they are endocrine disruptors, their level of interference and with-in 4 year time frame. Status: 2/8/2011 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce 2/15/2011 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy

15 Page 15 October 3, 2011 Federal Legislative Activities Proposed House Bill HR 2939 Pharmaceutical Stewardship Act of 2011 was introduced on Sept. 19, 2011. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee announced that she has introduced H.R. 2939, the Pharmaceutical Stewardship Act. The bill would require prescription drug manufacturers to establish a national collection and disposal program with oversight from the U.S. EPA.

16 Page 16 October 3, 2011 Results of Internal Meetings Involved numerous stakeholders for input. - SAPD/Narcotics Division, HEB, CVS, Wal-greens, Bexar County, COSA, TCEQ, Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc., Restorative Health Care, School of Pharmacy (UIW), Home Instead Senior Care and AAGOG & CPS Energy Ever increasing trend in the abuse of controlled prescription drugs. Law Enforcement needs to be the Lead Agency. - DEA and Law enforcement dictates diversion process. Issues with Hospitals, State run facilities vs. residential participants.

17 Page 17 October 3, 2011 Results of Internal Meetings Identified Advantages for Program Initiation: –Reduces community abuse of prescription drugs. –Aids TCEQ to comply with their Legislative directive. –Environmental Protection, reduces EDC load into Water Recycling Centers/WWTPs and landfills. –Indicates positive collaboration between local agencies and community. –Important component: »Educating the public on the proper disposal of drugs that will have the greatest impact over time.

18 Page 18 October 3, 2011 Expand COSA’s Single-Day Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events to accept pharmaceuticals. San Antonio Police Dept. / Narcotics Division will: −Handle, Transport, Store & Incinerate Develop media, educational and Press Release message (MedDropSA). Comply with TCEQ’s HHW Notification and Operational Plan requirements. December 12, 2009 - Event Results: –First Drug Disposal program initiated in a large Texas City. –171 pounds collected – Incineration Cost: $180 Identified items to resolve: –Concern for chemically decomposing drugs, Sharp Collection, Drug Categorization, Additional outreach (Hospice, Senior Care, Pharmacies) Program Development - Pilot Program

19 Page 19 October 3, 2011 MedDropSA Pilot Program Results

20 Page 20 October 3, 2011 MedDropSA Program Results

21 Page 21 October 3, 2011 MedDropSA Program Results xxxxxx

22 Page 22 October 3, 2011 SAWS’ MedDropSA Participants

23 Page 23 October 3, 2011 MedDropSA Results: December 12 th, 2009 = 171 lbs. (Pilot Program) June 5 th, 2010 = 1,336 lbs. September 11 th, 2010 = 1,270 lbs. March 5 th, 2011 = 427 lbs. June 4 th, 2011 = 424 lbs. September 10 th, 2011 = 992 lbs. Total to Date: 4,620 lbs. DEA National Take-back Day Results: Sept. 25th - 10 Sites/Regional drop-off locations: 1,166 lbs. April 28th - 22 Sites/Regional drop-off locations: 2,465 lbs. October 29th, 2011 – To Be Determined Summary – MedDropSA & DEA Results

24 Page 24 October 3, 2011 Refine Program specifics for future. Involve Stakeholders in resolving identified issues during the Pilot Program. Continue to comply with TCEQ’s SB 1757 results. Track State & Federal Legislative Bills that promote take- back/Drug Disposal Programs and EDC analysis of environmental impacts. Continue to support SAWS’ Mission, Vision and Value Statement. Next Steps – MedDropSA

25 Page 25 October 3, 2011 Partnership Growth School of Pharmacy

26 Page 26 October 3, 2011 Web-site Link: Meddropsa.com Contact Information: Ken Diehl San Antonio Water System (210) 233-3535 ken.diehl@saws.org Additional Information

27 Ken Diehl, Environmental Protection Specialist IV San Antonio Water System ANNUAL TEXAS RECYCLING AND SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT Emerging Containments: San Antonio Residential Pharmaceutical Drug Disposal Program

28 Page 28 October 3, 2011 EDCs in Public Water Supply: Some existing removal technologies:


Download ppt "Ken Diehl, Environmental Protection Specialist IV San Antonio Water System ANNUAL TEXAS RECYCLING AND SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT San Antonio’s Approach to Emerging."

Similar presentations


Ads by Google