Frequently Asked Questions
Why is EPA conducting these research
demonstrations?
When the new arsenic standard was
affirmed by the Administrator of EPA, she made a commitment
to establish a $20 million research, development and technical
assistance program to assist small systems in meeting
the new standard. This demonstration program is a part
of that commitment.
Must all public water systems participate in the demonstrations?
No. Participation in the demonstrations
is voluntary.
Why should my utility volunteer to participate
in the demonstrations?
Utilities might be interested in participating
in these studies because it will allow them the opportunity
to have the effectiveness and reliability of an arsenic
treatment process installed and tested at their site.
At the end of the study, the utility will have operating
information on an arsenic removal technology and be in
a better position to make future decisions on treatment
needs.
If a utility volunteers to participate
in the demonstration and is selected, will the utility receive
money from EPA?
No. The utility will not receive funds
from EPA. EPA will purchase a technology or engineering
services and associated supplies and work with the utility
to install them at the site.
Where do I submit the information if
my utility wants to volunteer?
You must submit the information to your
state drinking water administrator who will then transmit
it to EPA via the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators
by July 15,2003. Water systems located on Tribal lands, should
refer to the "Information for
Water Systems Located on Tribal Lands" section of
the web site listed below.
What information do I submit?
A form is available that can be used for
this purpose. Site
Identification Form
Why is the State Drinking Water Program
involved in this process?
The state drinking water program is
involved because the state will have to approve the plans
for installation or changes to the system before the demonstration
can begin.
Where do I call if I have further questions?
The Federal
Register Notice and this web site
contain contact information.
What costs will a utility bear if it
is chosen to participate in one of these studies?
The utility may have to bear costs
such as electricity, operator and other incidental costs
associated with the technology or engineering approach.
What happens if after the demonstration
is over a utility does not like the technology that was placed
at the site?
If the utility does not want the technology,
EPA will remove the technology.
Does a utility have to sign an agreement
with the EPA to participate in the study?
Yes. This agreement will outline the
responsibilities of EPA and the utility so there is a
clear understanding of who does what with regard to the
demonstration. The agreement will be tailored to the utility
and the technology or engineering approach.
If my utility has a number of water
sources that have an arsenic problem will the demonstration
project cover all the water sources (wells)?
No. For example, if a utility has
a number of wells exceeding the arsenic MCL, the demonstration
project will be conducted at only one site.
What if my utility has contaminants other than arsenic that
is concerned about?
If the water supply has contaminants in addition to arsenic,
these should be noted on the form when it is submitted.
Some
files are available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
To learn more about PDF files, and to download
a recent version of the Adobe Acrobat reader visit:
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/pdf.html |
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