DEQ-CFW_00013747

From: Sink, Marla [/O=EXCHANGELA8S/OU=[XCHANGEADMINISTRATIVE GROUP
(FYD|BOHF2]SPDLT)/CN=REOP|ENTS/CN=1443GCDF33F147ACADG2D89C87DCF81B-yWARLA.5|NK]
Sent: 7/18/I0I78:39:I9PW1
To: Brower, Connie [/b=ExzhanXeLabs/ou=ExchangeAdministrative Group
(FYD|8OHFZ33PDO)/cn=Redpient$cn=7ee8db84d9554]1c9aIf781f5597ba62-cubrower]
Subject: RE: media inquiry
Thanks, Connie!
Marla Sink
Public Information Officer
Department ofEnvironmental Quality
Division ofWater Resources
From: Brower, Connie
Sent: Tuesday, July 18,ZU173]7PM
To: Sink, Marla <Mar|[e-mail]>
Cc: Kritzer, Jamie <jamie.khtzer0Dncdenr.8ov>;Culpepper, Linda <|inda.cu|pepper@ncdenr.8ov>;Munger, Bridget
<brid8et.mun8er@ncdenr.0ov>
Subject: RE: media inquiry
FROU111111111111
I did my best — some of the questions fall into the areas that are best attempted by GS folks —
Connie
From: Sink, Marla
Sent: Tuesday, July D8,JO179:14AM
To: Brower, Connie
Subject: FW: media inquiry
Thanks, Connie!!! Questions are below.
Marla Sink
Public Information Officer
Department ofEnvironmental Quality
Division ofWater Resources
9197079033 office
512North Salisbury Street
1611 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1811
From: Lisa Sorg
Sent: Tuesday, July 18,2Ul73:3SAK4
OEQ-CFVV_00013747

To: Sink, Marla <M�rl�:ifr3rr:.#ar>
Subject: media inquiry
This is Lisa Sorg with NC Policy Watch. I'm working on a general story about emerging contaminants in drinking
.. and 4 clioxane.
I have a few questions about what is within DEQ's authority to regulate these contaminants:
1) Gov. Cooper yesterday called on EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to provide the state with regulatory
guidance for GenX. Can DEQ establish its own rules -- even temporarily or on an emergency basis -- regarding
contaminant levels in drinking water? Please consult with Jessica Godreau on drinking water specifically. Or
does this fall under the authority of the EMC? The authority to establish groundwater and surface water
standards falls under the authority of the EMC. In both sets of rules — mechanisms to establish provisional
numbers are available. Although there are provisions in the Administrative Procedures Act process for
adoption under a `temporary rule" ® the Rules Review Commission does not encourage us to do so.
2) If DEQ/EMC has this authority (They do for Groundwater/Surface water) , what is the process and timeline?
There are numerous steps that are required —this is a brief and very much abbreviated list:
First — staff must have enough peer -reviewed scientific information to provide a recommended value
to the EMC. Beyond that point, the Water Quality Committee (or the groundwater Committee) of the EMC
must approve us to proceed to the full EMC for approval to go out to public hearings. Prior to public hearings/
approval of any recommended changes, a fiscal note must be prepared and approved by the Commission and
the Office of State Budget Management, After Public Hearings, an information package is prepared and
presented to the EMC for amendment/approval or disapproval. If approved ® the final regulations must go
through the RRC and potentially the Legislature before changes to current rules can be made. If the package of
rules is for surface water amendments — a review and approval by the US EPA and the US Fish and Wildlife
Service is required under the Endangered Species Act.
3) Absent EPA guidance or regulation, how does the state plan to address the problem of emerging
contaminants? Staff participates in many state and federal programs that help us to gather as much
knowledge about the constituents of concern as we can. It is safe to say that most agencies share a growing
need for more information on many chemicals.
DEQ-CFW 00013748

What are the financial implications of the state taking on such a role? Need to speak with Sheila/Linda/jay
What limitations do the budget cuts impose on the agency's ability to do this work?
Thanksvery much.
Lisa Sorg
Environmental reporter
NC Policy Watch
224SDawson St
Raleigh NC 27601
919-861-1463
919-536-2341(ceU)
OEQ-CFVV_00013749