DEQ-CFW_00024500

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Subject: Organic chemical primer
Good afternoon all. I appreciate your time to discuss these chemical issues. I
propose a short educational session for the Water Committee meeting in September.
The invitation letter for the potential presenters is:
"Recent news reports have described the variety of organic chemicals detected in
waterways on North Carolina designated as water supply watersheds. These
watersheds are afforded additional levels of protection under rules and regulations
in North Carolina. These watersheds are subjected to assessments for a variety of
organic and inorganic chemicals. The number of chemicals assessed continues to
increase as the NPDES program matures.
The levels of detection for many of these chemicals are now routinely in the
microgram (PPB) and nanogram (PPT) per liter level. Low detection levels present
challenges to individuals assessing the quality of these waters and the EMC would
appreciate a short educational program to address the following:
1. Issues and challenges associated with measuring organic compounds at low
concentration levels. This discussion should address some of the chemicals of
concern and implications associated with detection and matrix challenges.
(12 to 15 minutes, Dr. Knappe)
2. Utilization of chemical detection methods and health/environmental criteria
to develop a reliable risk management framework or protocol for watersheds
and water supplies (12 to 15 minutes, Dr. Velero)
3. Incorporation of improved levels of detection, risk management approaches
into regulation and enforcement.(5 to 7 minutes, NCDEQ representative)
The EMC is responsible for water, air, land and waste management efforts in North
Carolina. The members of the Commission are volunteers and issues of chemistry
can be a challenge. The intent of this educational session is simply to provide some
background in chemistry that will influence EMC decisions in the future.
Thank you...
DEQ-CFW-00024500