Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has invited small public water systems to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) in providing advice and recommendations to a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. This initiative, announced on August 9, aims to gather input for potential revisions to the Microbial and Disinfection Byproducts (MDBP) National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs).
The SBAR Panel will focus on revising regulations including Stage 1 and Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rules (D/DBPRs), Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR), and Long-Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT1). These NPDWRs are designed to protect drinking water from microbes, disinfectants, and disinfection byproducts.
According to the EPA, the proposed rule revisions aim to improve existing regulations based on new information regarding health effects, treatment technologies, analytical methods, occurrence and exposure, and implementation. The revisions stem from findings in EPA’s third Six Year Review.
Revisions to the SWTRs are expected to further reduce exposure to microbial pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia, Legionella, and viruses. These pathogens have been linked to diseases including gastrointestinal illness and Legionnaire's Disease. Additionally, the EPA is considering changes to the D/DBPRs that would limit exposure to disinfection byproducts formed when disinfectants react with materials in source water.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act mandates the establishment of an SBAR Panel for rules that could significantly impact a substantial number of small entities economically. The panel will include representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA. Selected SERs will provide advice on behalf of their organizations regarding potential impacts of the proposed rule.
The EPA seeks self-nominations from small entities potentially subject to these rule requirements. Trade associations representing regulated small entities may also serve as SERs. Self-nominations must be submitted by August 23, 2024.
For more information or to nominate yourself as a SER, visit the provided link.
