DEQ-CFW_00013795

From: Brower, Connie [/O=EXCHANGELABS/OU=EXCHANG[ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP
(FYD|BOHF2]SPDLT)/CN=REOP|ENTS/CN=7EE8DB84D95G431C9A1F78IF5597BA62-CUBROVV[R]
Sent: 7/27/I0I79:II:22PW1
To: Zimmerman, Jay [/h=[xchangeLabs/ou=ExchangeAdministrative Group
(FYD|8OHFZ33PDO)/cn=Redpient$cn=56]d8I453bd54ebf8587IIa7b]1d6cdf-sjzimmerman]
Subject: FVV:Question about creating state standards for drinking water
Fnmrn: Brower, Connie
Sent: Thursday, July Z7,JO173:31PK4
To: Young, Sarah <[e-mail]~
Cc: Manning, Jeff ^jeff.mannin8@ncdenr.0ov>;Sink, Marla <Mar|a.Sink@ncdenr.8ov>;Kritzer, Jamie
^[e-mail]>; Munger, Bridget [e-mail]>
Subject: RE: Question about creating state standards for drinking water
The authority to establish new or amended groundwater (15A NCAC 02L) and surface water standards (15A
NCAC 02B) falls under the authority of the Environmental Management Commission (EMC). Most research and
background information for surface water is generated by the US EPA (under the Clean Water Act) and
published as National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (NRWQC). There is no federal analog to the state's
Groundwater Standards program, however, the US EPA publishes some toxicity values that may be used in the
derivation of groundwater quality standards. In both sets of rules — mechanisms to establish provisional
numbers are available. There are numerous steps that are required — this is a brief and very much abbreviated
First — staff must have valid peer -reviewed scientific toxicological information to provide a recommended
value to the EK4C. This recommendation takes a bit of time to gather, write up the justification and evaluate
research papers published inscientific journals. Consultation with other research scientists, and Agencies is
common. It often involves conversations with our state laboratories, and commercial laboratories to
determine if we can analyze for the chemical of concern with confidence.
us to proceed to the full EMIC for approval to go out to public hearings with any revised water quality
standard. Prior to public hearings/ approval of any recommended changes, a fiscal note must be prepared
2.nd approved by the Commission and the Office of State Budget Management. After Public Hearings, an
information package is prepared and presented to the EMIC for amend ment/approva I/disa pprova 1. If
2pproved — the final regulations must go through the RRC and potentially the Legislature before changes to
current rules can be enforceable. If the package of rules is for surface water amendments (15A NCAC 02B) — a
review and approval by the NC Attorney General's office and the US EPA as well as the US Fish and Wildlife
-Service is required under the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Hope this helps ... I answered a similar question for Marla? Bridget? Jamie ? a week ago (or so) — so, I am
copying them as well!
OEQ-CFVV_00013795

From: Young, Sarah
Sent: Thursday, July J7,Z017J:43PK4
To: Brower, Connie
Subject: FW: Question about creating state standards for drinking water
Connie'
|gotaquestionhomareporteraskin8aboutthestepsvvevvou|dhavetotaketodeve|opa state surl
for GenX. How would you answer that? See Bob K8id8ette's answer to the drinking water side below.
From: Midgette, Robert
Sent: Wednesday, July Z6,2O17S:O9PK4
To: Young, Sarah �Godreau,Jessica
Subject: RE: Question about creating state standards for drinking water
The national drinking water program requirements are specified in the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and EPA's
National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Essentially, EPA does the research and analysis toset standards applicable
to public water systems and state primacy agencies implement the programs to monitor and evaluate compliance and
take appropriate enforcement actions.
The P\NSSection does not employ staff with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary toperform the necessary
research related to establishing drinking water standards. Our staff consists of engineers and environmental specialists
with expertise related to implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act and related rules based on the application of
engineering principles and practices.
I can't speak to the capability of other state agencies with respect to their qualifications, resources or ability to perform
the research and science necessary to develop a drinking water standard.
*perations Branch Head
Public Water Supply Section
9197079088 office
9197079100 meinnumber
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Sent: Wednesday, July J6 20174:26PK4
To: Godreau,Jessica K8id8et0s Robert
Subject: Question about creating state standards for drinking water
OEQ-CFVV_00013796

I have a question from a reporter who asks:
"if EPA never develops a federal standard for GenX, what would it take to develop a state standard?"
How would you answer that question?
Sarah M. Young
Public Information Officer
N.C. Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Coastal Management
919-707-8604 office
sarih, ounc.�Dncdenk-M,�W
DEQ-CFW-00013797