EPA Updates Human Health Benchmarks for Pesticides in Drinking Water

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

OSHA Firms Up Stance on Slips, Trips, Falls

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

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

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

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

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