DEQ-CFW_00024678

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Subject: Organic chemical primer
Good afternoon all. I appreciate your time to discuss these chemical issues. The
educational session will be held before the Water Quality Committee meeting on
September 13, 2017. The full committee meeting will be between - and --- in the
groundfloor hearing room of the Archdale building in Raleigh, NC. There will be
other items on the agenda in addition to this educational session.
The purpose of the session is to help the EMC develop a common understanding of
this issue. Your presentations are intended to help facilitate this common
understanding and serve as a "starting point" in this journey. The session is not
intended to solve a particular problem, develop a specific framework, or cast an
opinion on current or past actions.
The EMC meetings are open to the public and broadcasted over the web.
The EMC consists of 15 seasoned professionals who have each been appointed by
the Governor, the Senate Pro Tempore, or the Speaker of the House. Nearly all have
some form of scientific or engineering education, several are attorneys, three are
PhDs, several have worked in government, and most have worked in business. The
specific issues of water chemistry may be a challenge in some respects but I also do
not believe you need to completely "dumb down" your presentation.
The introduction by WQC Chairman Dr. Bob Rubin will be something like, '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. The Water Quality
Committee of the EMC has asked three speakers to provide 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
especially over the past decade. (12 to 15 minutes, Dr. Knappe)
DEQ-CFW-00024678

2. Utilization of chemical detection methods and health/environmental criteria
to develop a reliable risk management framework and ethical considerations
related to communicating related information (12 to 15 minutes, Dr. Vallero)
3. Incorporation of improved levels of detection,
risk management approaches
into regulation and enforcement.(5 to 7 minutes, NCDEQ representative,
likely DEQ Assistant Secretary Sheila Holman, PE)"
As chairman of the EMC, I intend to remind everyone that this is for education and
knowledge transfer, and not intended to solve a particular problem or endorse a
specific solution. Bob or I will also make sure to provide each speaker to address
conflicts of interest and/or clarify your speaking perspective. We appreciate your
willingness to come and share your expertise on this timely but sensitive subject
and want this to be a positive experience for you.
Thank you,
JD Solomon
Chairman, NC Environmental Management Commission
DEQ-CFW-00024679