Ryan Trahan

EPA Releases Guidance for Sampling and Field Testing During Water Contamination Incidents

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FROM USEPA, JANUARY, 2017: To aid drinking water utilities in preparing for sampling and field testing that could occur during water contamination incidents, EPA released, “Guidance for Building Field Capabilities to Respond to Drinking Water Contamination.”  The guidance outlines basic and advanced field response activities and also provides information pertaining to staffing, quality assurance, and … Read more

EPA Updates Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides in Drinking Water

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FROM THE EPA, JANUARY, 2017: EPA has updated its Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides in drinking water to reflect the latest scientific information. The benchmarks are levels of certain pesticides in drinking water or source waters for drinking water at or below which adverse health effects are not anticipated from one-day or lifetime exposures. First … Read more

MA Drought Management Plan Changes in the Works

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Due to the 2016 drought, the MA Executive Office of Environmental Affairs intends to update the State’s Drought Management Plan (May, 2013 See Drought Plan FINAL 05-16-2013 pdf ). Please review the current plan to see if there are specific changes you would like to request.  Some revision requests that water suppliers may want to make … Read more

Job Opening – Town of Medfield

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Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Medfield, Massachusetts The Town of Medfield, MA is seeking applicants for the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. The position works under the direction of the WWTP Chief and Assistant Chief Operators and performs necessary functions for the WWTP and pumping stations. The position is responsible for sampling of influent/effluent for … Read more

OSHA Firms Up Stance on Slips, Trips, Falls

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from PaintSquare.com: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published its long-awaited final rule regarding slip, trip and fall hazards for general industry. The rule—which updates OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces standard and adds requirements for personal fall protection systems—is aimed at increasing consistency between general and construction industries, helping to clarify issues … Read more

Final Fourth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 4) Published in Federal Register

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On November 17, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published in the Federal Register a final list of contaminants that are currently not subject to any proposed or promulgated national primary drinking water regulation. This list is the Fourth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 4) published by EPA since the SDWA amendments of 1996.  The … Read more

U.S. Senate approves S.2848 on September 15, 2016

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S. 2848, the Water Resources Development Act, would authorize $70 million under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program, and $100 million under the State Revolving Fund program for systems with drinking water emergencies. Similarly, H.R. 5303: Water Resources Development Act of 2016 passed the House on September 28, 2016. S. 2848’s … Read more

New EPA guidance addresses Lead & Copper Rule implementation

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EPA guidance addresses LCR implementation October 13, 2016 From AWWA: New guidance from the US Environmental Protection Agency updates EPA regions and state primacy agencies on certain implementation aspects of the Lead & Copper Rule. Entitled Implementation of the Lead and Copper Rule Provisions Related to Sample Site Selection and Triennial Monitoring, the memorandum asks agencies to require … Read more

MassDEP Regulation Promulgated – Certification & Operation of Environmental Analysis Laboratories

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Name & Citation of Regulation(s):  310 CMR 42.00 – Certification and Operation of Environmental Analysis Laboratories Brief Explanation and Rationale for Changes: The regulations at 310 CMR 42.00 establish procedures by which MassDEP certifies laboratories that demonstrate the ability to consistently produce valid data.  The regulations establish minimum criteria for personnel, facilities, equipment, proficiency tests, … Read more