DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION. This project takes a multi-media approach to controlling lead by allowing the City to utilize some of the City’s drinking water resources to ▇▇▇▇▇ a known health hazard through an exposure pathway other than, and in addition to, drinking water (i.e., household lead paint and dust). It allows the City’s Water Division flexibility from LSL sampling and replacement requirements in the drinking water regulations in working through technical issues associated with making treatment adjustments. The City of Columbus operates a public water system which must comply with national primary drinking water regulations promulgated under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Columbus has a good compliance history for lead in the drinking water. The City is also currently maintaining optimal treatment for lead. In the past, Columbus has made certain changes to its water treatment process, and inadvertently caused an increase in the lead levels in the water. Columbus is concerned that it may need to make treatment changes in the future that may likewise impact lead levels. Under the Federal and State drinking water regulations, if the drinking water in customers’ homes exceeds the “Action Level” (AL) of 15 µg/L of lead in more than 10 percent of drinking water tap samples (i.e., exceeds the AL as a 90th percentile value), the City must begin sampling LSLs immediately and replacing those lines that contribute more than 15 µg/L of lead. Through this project, the US EPA will allow the City a temporary suspension of the LSL sampling and replacement provisions for up to three years beginning if and when the City exceeds the lead AL, provided this occurs within six years of making a treatment change. In exchange for this flexibility, the City Division of Water will contribute $300,000 a year for 15 years to the LSCP, beginning January 1, 2001. The City Division of Water’s annual commitment to contribute $300,000 to the LSCP is contingent on annual approval of this transfer by the City Council and City Auditor1. The LSCP will use the $300,000 per year to provide free blood testing, public education, medical intervention for lead-poisoned children, and up 1Any subsequent reference to the City of Columbus Division of Water’s commitment to transfer $300,000 to the LSCP will assume and be contingent on the necessary annual approvals from the Columbus City Council and City Auditor. to $100,000 in grants per year for lead abatement to residents of Columbus in the high-risk areas identified in Appendix B. In addition, the LSCP will work with the Department of Trade and Development to provide low interest loans for larger projects. The high-risk area consists of twenty-five high-risk census tracts within ten zip codes in older, predominantly low-income, minority neighborhoods in Columbus, where 84% of all elevated blood lead levels in the City were found. The LSCP will also provide blood testing for all children under six at all sites where lead levels at the tap exceed 15 µg/L. If Columbus identifies a treatment change (as defined in the Glossary of Terms), the Columbus Water Division will consult with OEPA and US EPA Region 5 prior to making the treatment change. Once OEPA approves the proposed treatment change, Columbus will conduct monitoring in accordance with Section IV.G of this Agreement. Should the tap monitoring indicate a trend of increasing lead levels, the Columbus Division of Water will consult with OEPA and US EPA Region 5, and take steps to reverse the trend. Should Columbus exceed the lead AL, as a 90th percentile value, the City will take aggressive action, short of sampling and replacing LSLs, to minimize the public’s exposure to elevated levels of lead and provide public education to consumers on how to minimize lead exposure. Specifically, the City will attempt to reduce lead levels through expeditious but considered treatment modification(s), and conduct targeted public education. If, despite the City’s best efforts, Columbus is unable to keep the lead levels below the lead AL, the City will be granted a window of flexibility (up to three years in length) within which to lower the lead levels below the AL, without having to sample and/or replace LSLs. If the City is unable to bring the lead levels down below the lead AL after three years, or if the City is unable to keep lead levels from rising above 30 µg/L as a 90th percentile value, the City will be required to immediately implement the LSL sampling and replacement requirements in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745-81-84, beginning with the sampling, and if necessary, replacement of 7 percent of the total number of LSLs in the City within one year from the end of the three year period or the exceedence of the upper limit of 30 µg/L as a 90th percentile value, whichever occurs first. Columbus may discontinue sampling and replacing lead service lines in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745-81-84(G). If the City is successful in maintaining low lead levels (i.e., does not exceed the lead AL within six years after making a treatment change), the opportunity to use the three year window of flexibility will expire. Should it be necessary in the future, if the City does not exceed the lead AL during the first option period, US EPA would have the discretion to establish a second “option period” with a three year window of flexibility for the City’s use during the 15 year project duration. This project would not allow flexibility from the public education provisions of the LCR. The City would still be required to conduct public education in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.85 of the LCR and Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745-81-85 if the AL is exceeded at any time.
Appears in 1 contract
Sources: Final Project Agreement
DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION. This project takes a multi-media approach to controlling lead by allowing the City to utilize some of the City’s drinking water resources to ▇▇▇▇▇ a known health hazard through an exposure pathway other than, and in addition to, drinking water (i.e., household lead paint and dust). It allows the City’s Water Division flexibility from LSL sampling and replacement requirements in the drinking water regulations in working through technical issues associated with making treatment adjustments. The City of Columbus operates a public water system which must comply with national primary drinking water regulations promulgated under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Columbus has a good compliance history for lead in the drinking water. The City is also currently maintaining optimal treatment for lead. In the past, Columbus has made certain changes to its water treatment process, and inadvertently caused an increase in the lead levels in the water. Columbus is concerned that it may need to make treatment changes in the future that may likewise impact lead levels. Under the Federal and State drinking water regulations, if the drinking water in customers’ homes exceeds the “Action Level” (AL) of 15 µg/L of lead in more than 10 percent of drinking water tap samples (i.e., exceeds the AL as a 90th percentile value), the City must begin sampling LSLs immediately and replacing those lines that contribute more than 15 µg/L of lead. Through this project, the US EPA will allow the City a temporary suspension of the LSL sampling and replacement provisions for up to three years beginning if and when the City exceeds the lead AL, provided this occurs within six years of making a treatment change. In exchange for this flexibility, the City Division of Water will contribute $300,000 a year for 15 years to the LSCP, beginning January 1, 2001. The City Division of Water’s annual commitment to contribute $300,000 to the LSCP is contingent on annual approval of this transfer by the City Council and City Auditor1. The LSCP will use the $300,000 per year to provide free blood testing, public education, medical intervention for lead-poisoned children, and up 1Any subsequent reference to the City of Columbus Division of Water’s commitment to transfer $300,000 to the LSCP will assume and be contingent on the necessary annual approvals from the Columbus City Council and City Auditor. to $100,000 in grants per year for lead abatement to residents of Columbus in the high-risk areas identified in Appendix B. In addition, the LSCP will work with the Department of Trade and Development to provide low interest loans for larger projects. The high-risk area consists of twenty-five high-risk census tracts within ten zip codes in older, predominantly low-income, minority neighborhoods in Columbus, where 84% of all elevated blood lead levels in the City were found. The LSCP will also provide blood testing for all children under six at all sites where lead levels at the tap exceed 15 µg/L. If Columbus identifies a treatment change (as defined in the Glossary of Terms), the Columbus Water Division will consult with OEPA and US EPA Region 5 prior to making the treatment change. Once OEPA approves the proposed treatment change, Columbus will conduct monitoring in accordance with Section IV.G of this Agreement. Should the tap monitoring indicate a trend of increasing lead levels, the Columbus Division of Water will consult with OEPA and US EPA Region 5, and take steps to reverse the trend. Should Columbus exceed the lead AL, as a 90th percentile value, the City will take aggressive action, short of sampling and replacing LSLs, to minimize the public’s exposure to elevated levels of lead and provide public education to consumers on how to minimize lead exposure. Specifically, the City will attempt to reduce lead levels through expeditious but considered treatment modification(s), and conduct targeted public education. If, despite the City’s best efforts, Columbus is unable to keep the lead levels below the lead AL, the City will be granted a window of flexibility (up to three years in length) within which to lower the lead levels below the AL, without having to sample and/or replace LSLs. If the City is unable to bring the lead levels down below the lead AL after three years, or if the City is unable to keep lead levels from rising above 30 µg/L as a 90th percentile value, the City will be required to immediately implement the LSL sampling and replacement requirements in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745-81-84, beginning with the sampling, and if necessary, replacement of 7 percent of the total number of LSLs in the City within one year from the end of the three year period or the exceedence of the upper limit of 30 µg/L as a 90th percentile value, whichever occurs first. Columbus may discontinue sampling and replacing lead service lines in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745-81-84(G). If the City is successful in maintaining low lead levels (i.e., does not exceed the lead AL within six years after making a treatment change), the opportunity to use the three year window of flexibility will expire. Should it be necessary in the future, if the City does not exceed the lead AL during the first six-year option period, US EPA would have the discretion to establish a second “six-year option period” with a three year window of flexibility for the City’s use during the 15 year project duration. This project would not allow flexibility from the public education provisions of the LCR. The City would still be required to conduct public education in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.85 of the LCR and Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745-81-85 if the AL is exceeded at any time.
Appears in 1 contract
Sources: Final Project Agreement
DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION. This project takes a multi-media approach to controlling lead by allowing the City to utilize some of the City’s drinking water resources to ▇▇▇▇▇ a known health hazard through an exposure pathway other than, and in addition to, drinking water (i.e., household lead paint and dust). It allows the City’s Water Division flexibility from LSL sampling testing and replacement requirements in the drinking water regulations in working through technical issues associated with making treatment adjustments. The City of Columbus operates a public water system which must comply with national primary drinking water regulations promulgated under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)Act. Columbus has a good compliance history for lead in the drinking waterwater program. The City is also currently maintaining optimal treatment for lead. In the past, Columbus has made certain necessary changes to its water treatment process, and inadvertently caused an increase in the lead levels in the water. Columbus is concerned that it may need to make treatment changes a change in the future that may likewise impact lead levels. Under the Federal and State drinking water regulations, if the drinking water in customers’ homes exceeds the “Action Level” (AL) of 15 µg/L of lead in more than 10 percent of drinking water tap samples (i.e., exceeds the AL as a 90th percentile value), the City must begin sampling LSLs immediately and replacing those lines that contribute more than 15 µgFg/L of lead. Through this project, the US EPA USEPA will allow the City a temporary suspension of the LSL sampling testing and replacement provisions for up to [three years years] beginning if and when the City exceeds the lead AL, provided this occurs within [six years years] of making a treatment change. In exchange for this flexibility, the City Division of Water will contribute $300,000 a year for 15 years to the LSCP, beginning January 1, 2001in [Year]. The City Division of Water’s annual commitment to contribute $300,000 to the LSCP is contingent on annual approval of this transfer by the City Council and City Auditor1. The LSCP will use the $300,000 per year to provide free blood testing, public education, medical intervention for lead-poisoned children, and up 1Any subsequent reference to the City of Columbus Division of Water’s commitment to transfer $300,000 to the LSCP will assume and be contingent on the necessary annual approvals from the Columbus City Council and City Auditor. to $100,000 in grants per year for lead abatement to residents of Columbus in the high-risk areas identified in Appendix B. C. In addition, the LSCP will work with the Department of Trade and Development to provide low interest loans for larger projects. The high-risk area consists of twenty-five high-risk census tracts within ten zip codes in older, predominantly low-income, minority neighborhoods in Columbus, where 84% of all elevated blood lead levels in the City were found. The LSCP will also provide blood testing for all children under six at all sites where lead levels at the tap exceed 15 µg/L. If Columbus identifies a treatment change (as defined in the Glossary of Terms)change, the Columbus Water Division will consult with OEPA and US EPA USEPA Region 5 prior to making the treatment change. For the purposes of this agreement, a “treatment change” is any change made by Columbus which may affect the water quality parameters established by the OEPA, or which may cause the alkalinity to drop below 20 mg/L, or the sulfate to chloride ratio to increase above 0.58. Once OEPA approves and USEPA Region 5 approve the proposed treatment change, Columbus will install the new treatment and conduct increased sampling at consumers’ taps (monitoring in accordance with Section IV.G frequency and number of this Agreementsamples to be negotiated) to monitor lead levels during the treatment transition period. The City will also continue to monitor the optimal water quality parameters designated by OEPA, on the frequency established by OEPA, but not less than biweekly. Should the tap monitoring indicate a trend of increasing lead levels, the Columbus Division of Water will consult with OEPA and US EPA USEPA Region 5, and take steps to reverse the trend. Should Columbus exceed the lead AL, as a 90th percentile value, the City will take aggressive action, short of sampling testing and replacing LSLs, to minimize the public’s exposure to elevated levels of lead and provide public education to consumers on how to minimize lead exposure. Specifically, the City will attempt to reduce lead levels through expeditious but considered treatment modification(s), and conduct targeted public education. If, despite the City’s best efforts, Columbus is unable to keep the lead levels below the lead AL, the City will be granted a window of flexibility (up to [three years years] in length) within which to lower the lead levels below the AL, without having to sample and/or replace LSLs. If the City is unable to bring the lead levels down below the lead AL after [three years], or if the City is unable to keep lead levels from rising above [30 µgug/L L] as a 90th percentile value, the City will be required to immediately implement the LSL sampling testing and replacement requirements in accordance with 40 C.F.R. Part 141.84 and [Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745-81-84Code], beginning with the samplingtesting, and if necessary, replacement of 7 percent of the total number of LSLs in the City within one year from the end of the [three year year] period or the exceedence exceedance of the upper limit of [30 µgug/L L] as a 90th percentile value, whichever occurs first. Columbus may discontinue sampling and replacing lead service lines in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745-81-84(G). If the City is successful in maintaining low lead levels (i.e., does not exceed the lead AL within [six years years] after making a treatment changemodification), the opportunity to use the [three year year] window of flexibility will expire. Should it be necessary in the future, if the City does not exceed the lead AL during the first option period, US EPA USEPA would have the discretion to establish a second another [three year] window of flexibility, and “option period” with a three year window of flexibility for the City’s use during the 15 year project duration. This project would not allow flexibility from the public education provisions of the LCR. The City would still be required to conduct public education in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 141.85 of the LCR and Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745-81-85 if the AL is exceeded at any time.
Appears in 1 contract
Sources: Final Project Agreement