[Pharmwaste] USEPA approves 99 analytical methods

[DeBiasi,Deborah]

06/03/2008
  
USEPA approves 99 analytical methods
Source: AWWA WaterWeek Staff

USEPA has approved 99 alternative analytical methods water supplies can
use immediately to test for regulated contaminants.

Published in the June 3 Federal Register, the action is the agency's
first under its new "expedited approval" process for such test methods.
USEPA sought comment on the new process in April 2007, and the June 3
announcement describes mostly favorable comments, including from AWWA.

Intended to hasten what has been a protracted rulemaking process for
approving use of compliance methods, the expedited process allows new
methods to be considered for quick approval if they "have performance
characteristics that fall within the range of performance
characteristics obtained by the methods listed in regulation for the
same contaminant."

The 99 approved methods include dozens published in the 21st Edition of
Standard Methods as well as six ASTM methods, one USEPA method and one
commercial method.  The EPA drinking water methods Web site contains a
new page that focuses on the expedited methods approval process
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/methods/expedited.html.

Regulation is here:
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WATER/2008/June/Day-03/w12198.pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 141
[EPA-HQ-OW-2006-0958; FRL-8573-7]
Expedited Approval of Alternative Test Procedures for the Analysis of
Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act; Analysis and Sampling
Procedures
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.


NEMI is a free, searchable clearinghouse of methods and procedures for
both regulatory and non-regulatory monitoring purposes for water,
sediment, air and tissues. It is funded by EPA and USGS

http://www.nemi.gov/

The new methods are listed in Appendix A to Subpart C in 40 CFR 141 and
on EPA's drinking water methods Web site at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/methods/. A hard copy of the list of
methods is also available by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
(800) 426-4791.


Deborah L. DeBiasi
Email:   dldebiasi at deq.virginia.gov
WEB site address:  www.deq.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Water Permit Programs
Industrial Pretreatment/Toxics Management Program
PPCPs, EDCs, and Microconstituents
Mail:          P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA  23218 (NEW!)
Location:  629 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA  23219
PH:         804-698-4028
FAX:      804-698-4032