Current through Rules and Regulations filed through December 18, 2024
(1)
Monitoring Requirements for Gross
Alpha Particle Activity, Radium-226, Radium-228, and Uranium.
(a) Compliance with Rule
391-3-5-.18(5)
shall be based on the analysis of an annual composite of four consecutive
quarterly samples or the average of the analyses of four samples obtained at
quarterly intervals.
1. A gross alpha
particle activity measurement may be substituted for the required Radium-226
and Radium-228 analysis provided that the measured gross alpha particle
activity does not exceed 5 pCi/L, at a confidence level of 95 percent (1.65
[LOWER CASE SIGMA], where [LOWER CASE SIGMA] [sigma] is the standard deviation
of the net counting rate of the sample). In localities where Radium-228 may be
present in drinking water, Radium-226 and/or Radium-228 analyses are required
when the gross alpha particle activity exceeds 2 pCi/L.
2. When the gross alpha particle activity
exceeds 5 pCi/L, the same or an equivalent sample shall be analyzed for
Radium-226. If the concentration of Radium-226 exceeds 3 pCi/L the same or an
equivalent sample shall be analyzed for Radium-228.
(b) The initial analysis required by
subparagraph (1)(a) for new water systems shall be completed within two years
from the effective date of the permit to operate.
(c) Suppliers of water shall monitor at least
once every four years following the procedure required by subparagraph (1)(a).
At the discretion of the Director when an annual record taken in conformance
with subparagraph (1)(a) has established that the average annual concentration
is less than half the maximum contaminant levels established by Rule
391-3-5-.18(6),
analysis of a single sample may be substituted for the quarterly sampling
procedure required by subparagraph (1)(a).
1.
More frequent monitoring shall be conducted when ordered by the Director in the
vicinity of mining or other operations which may contribute alpha particle
radioactivity to either surface or ground water sources of drinking
water.
2. A supplier of water shall
monitor in conformance with subparagraph (1)(a) within one year of the
introduction of a new water source for a community water system. More frequent
monitoring shall be conducted when ordered by the Director in the event of
possible contamination or when changes in the distribution system or treatment
process occur which may increase the concentration of radioactivity in drinking
water.
3. A community water system
using two or more sources having different concentrations of radioactivity
shall monitor each source of water, in addition to water from a free flowing
drinking water tap, when ordered by the Director.
4. Monitoring for compliance with Rule
391-3-5-.18(5)
after the initial period need not include Radium-228 except when required by
the Director provided, that the average annual concentration of Radium-228 has
been assayed at least once using the quarterly sampling procedure required by
subparagraph (l)(a).
5. Suppliers
of water shall, as ordered by the Director, conduct annual monitoring of any
community water system in which the Radium-228 concentration exceeds 3
pCi/L.
(d) If the MCL for
gross alpha particle activity or total radium as set forth in Rule
391-3-5-.18(5) is
exceeded, the supplier of a community water system shall give notice to the
Division pursuant to Rule
391-3-5-.30 and notify the public
pursuant to Rule
391-3-5-.32. Monitoring at quarterly
intervals shall be continued until the annual average concentration no longer
exceeds the maximum contaminant level or until a monitoring schedule as a
condition to a permit, variance, exemption or enforcement action shall become
effective.
(e) The Division may
require more frequent monitoring than specified in this section, or may require
confirmation samples at its discretion. The results of the initial and
confirmation samples will be averaged for use in compliance
determinations.
(f) Compliance with
Rule 391-3-5-.18(5) will
be determined based on the analytical result(s) obtained at each sampling
point. If one sampling point is in violation of an MCL, the system is in
violation of the MCL. Systems must include all samples taken and analyzed under
the provisions of this section in determining compliance, even if that number
is greater than the minimum required.
(2)
Monitoring Requirements for
Man-made Radioactivity in Community Water Systems.
(a) Within two years following June 24, 1977
systems using surface water sources and serving more than 100,000 persons and
such other community water systems as are designated by the Division shall be
monitored for compliance with Rule
391-3-5-.18(5) by
analysis of a composite of four consecutive quarterly samples or analysis of
four quarterly samples. Compliance with Rule
391-3-5-.18(5) may
be assumed without further analysis if the average annual concentrations of
tritium and strontium-90 are less than those listed in Table A, provided, that
in no case shall the sum of their annual dose equivalents to bone marrow exceed
4 milligrams per year.
1. If the gross beta
particle activity exceeds 50 pCi/L, an analysis of the sample must be performed
to identify the major radioactive constituents present and the appropriate
organ and total body doses shall be calculated to determine compliance with
Rule 391-3-5-.18(5).
2. Suppliers of water shall conduct
additional monitoring, as ordered by the Director, to determine the
concentration of man-made radioactivity in principal watersheds designated by
the Division.
3. At the discretion
of the Director suppliers of water utilizing only ground waters may be required
to monitor for man-made radioactivity.
(b) After the initial analysis required by
subparagraph (2)(a) suppliers of water shall monitor at least every four years
following the procedure given in subparagraph (2)(a).
(c) Within two years of June 24, 1977 the
supplier of any community water system designated by the Division as utilizing
waters contaminated by effluents from nuclear facilities shall initiate
quarterly monitoring for gross beta particle and iodine-131 radioactivity and
annual monitoring for strontium-90 and tritium.
1. Quarterly monitoring for gross beta
particle activity shall be based on the analysis of monthly samples or the
analysis of a composite of three monthly samples. The former is recommended. If
the gross beta particle activity in a sample exceeds 15 pCi/L, the same or an
equivalent sample shall be analyzed for strontium-89 and cesium-134. If the
gross beta particle activity exceeds 50 pCi/L, an analysis of the sample must
be performed to identify the major radioactive constituents present and the
appropriate organ and total body doses shall be calculated to determine
compliance with Rule
391-3-5-.18(5).
2. For iodine-131, a composite of five
consecutive daily samples shall be analyzed once each quarter. As ordered by
the Director, more frequent monitoring shall be conducted when iodine-131 is
identified in the drinking water.
3. Annual monitoring for strontium-90 and
tritium shall be conducted by means of the analysis of a composite of four
consecutive quarterly samples or analysis of four quarterly samples. The latter
procedure is recommended.
4. The
Division may allow the substitution of environmental surveillance data taken in
conjunction with a nuclear facility for direct monitoring of man-made
radioactivity by the supplier of water where the Division determines such data
is applicable to a particular community water system.
(d) If the average annual maximum contaminant
level for manmade radioactivity set forth in Rule
391-3-5-.18(5) is
exceeded, the operator of a community water system shall give notice to the
Division pursuant to Rule
391-3-5-.30 and to the public as
required by Rule
391-3-5-.32. Monitoring at monthly
intervals shall be continued until the concentration no longer exceeds the
maximum contaminant level or until a monitoring schedule as a condition to a
permit, variance, exemption or enforcement action shall become
effective.
(3)
Sample Collection and Analysis. Upon written direction of the
Director, the supplier shall collect and submit drinking water samples for
analysis in accordance with the schedule furnished. The Division shall have the
discretion to delete results of obvious sampling or analytic errors. CWSs must
conduct more frequent monitoring when ordered by the State in the event of
possible contamination or when changes in the distribution system or treatment
processes occur which may increase the concentration of radioactivity in
finished water.
(4)
Analytical Methods. Analytical methods for measurements, detection
limits and determining compliance with maximum contaminant levels listed in
Rule 391-3-5-.18 for
radioactivity shall be in accordance with 40 CFR, Part 141.25.
(5)
Monitoring Requirements Effective
December 7, 2003. All existing community water systems (CWSs) must
conduct initial monitoring to determine compliance with this rule between
December 7, 2003 and December 31, 2007. CWSs must sample each entry point to
the distribution system for four consecutive quarters. All existing CWSs using
ground water, surface water or systems using both ground and surface water
systems must sample at every entry point to the distribution system that is
representative of all sources being used under normal operating conditions. The
system must take each sample at the same sampling point unless conditions make
another sampling point more representative of each source or the Division has
designated a distribution system location, in accordance with
40 CFR §
141.26(a)(2)(ii)(C).
(6)
New Sources. All new CWSs or
CWSs that use a new source of water shall begin to conduct initial monitoring
within the first quarter after initiating use of the source.
(7)
Initial Monitoring Waiver.
For gross alpha particle activity, uranium, radium-226, and radium-228
monitoring, the Division may waive the final two quarters of initial monitoring
for a sampling point if the results of the samples from the previous two
quarters are below the detection limit.
(8)
Initial Monitoring Above
MCL. If the average of the initial monitoring results for a sampling
point is above the MCL, the system must collect and analyze quarterly samples
at the sampling point until the system has results from four consecutive
quarters that are at or below the MCL, unless the system enters into another
schedule as part of a formal compliance agreement with the Division.
(9)
Reduced Monitoring. The
Division may allow community water systems to reduce the future frequency of
monitoring from once every three years to once every six or nine years at each
sampling point, based on the following criteria:
(a) If the average of the initial monitoring
results for each contaminant (i.e., gross alpha particle activity, uranium,
radium-226, or radium-228) is below the detection limit specified in Table B,
in Sec. 141.25(c)(1), the system must collect and analyze for that contaminant
using at least one sample at the sampling point every nine years.
(b) For gross alpha particle activity and
uranium, if the average of the initial monitoring results for each contaminant
is at or above the detection limit but at or below half (1/2) the MCL, the
system must collect and analyze for that contaminant using at least one sample
at that sampling point every six years. For combined radium-226 and radium-228,
the analytical results must be combined. If the average of the combined initial
monitoring results for radium-226 and radium-228 is at or above the detection
limit but at or below half (1/2) the MCL, the system must collect and analyze
for that contaminant using at least one sample at that sampling point every six
years.
(c) For gross alpha particle
activity and uranium, if the average of the initial monitoring results for each
contaminant is above half (1/2) the MCL but at or below the MCL, the system
must collect and analyze at least one sample at that sampling point every three
years. For combined radium-226 and radium-228, the analytical results must be
combined. If the average of the combined initial monitoring results for
radium-226 and radium-228 is above half (1/2) the MCL but at or below the MCL,
the system must collect and analyze at least one sample at that sampling point
every three years.
(d) Systems must
use the samples collected during the reduced monitoring period to determine the
monitoring frequency for subsequent monitoring periods, (e.g., if a system's
sampling point is on a nine year monitoring period, and the sample result is
above half (1/2) MCL, then the next monitoring period for that sampling point
is three years).
(e) If a system
has a monitoring result that exceeds the MCL while on reduced monitoring, the
system must collect and analyze quarterly samples at that sampling point until
the system has results from four consecutive quarters that are below the MCL,
unless the system enters into another schedule as part of a formal compliance
agreement with the Division.
(10)
Compositing. To fulfill
quarterly monitoring requirements for gross alpha particle activity,
radium-226, radium-228, or uranium, a system may composite up to four
consecutive quarterly samples from a single entry point if analysis is done
within a year of the first sample. The Division will treat analytical results
from the composited as the average analytical result to determine compliance
with the MCLs and the future monitoring frequency. If the analytical result
from the composited sample is greater than half (1/2) MCL, the Division may
direct the system to take additional quarterly samples before allowing the
system to sample under a reduced monitoring schedule.
(11)
Gross Alpha Particle
Activity. A gross alpha particle activity measurement may be substituted
for the required radium-226 measurement provided that the measured gross alpha
particle activity does not exceed 5 pCi/L. A gross alpha particle activity
measurement may be substituted for the required uranium measurement provided
that the measured gross alpha particle activity does not exceed 15 pCi/L. The
gross alpha measurement shall have a confidence interval of 95% (1.65 [LOWER
CASE SIGMA], where [LOWER CASE SIGMA] is the standard deviation of the net
counting rate of the sample) for radium-226 and uranium. When a system uses a
gross alpha particle activity measurement in lieu of a radium-226 and/or
uranium measurement, the gross alpha particle activity analytical result will
be used to determine the future monitoring frequency for radium-226 and/or
uranium. If the gross alpha particle activity result is less than detection,
the detection limit will be used to determine compliance and the future
monitoring frequency.
(12)
Monitoring and Compliance Requirements for Beta Particle and Photon
Radioactivity. To determine compliance with the maximum contaminant
levels in 40 CFR Sec.
141.66(d) for beta particle
and photon radioactivity, a system must monitor at a frequency as follows:
(a) Community water systems (both surface and
ground water) designated by the Division as vulnerable must sample for beta
particle and photon radioactivity. Systems must collect quarterly samples for
both beta emitters and annual samples for tritium and strontium-90 at each
entry point to the distribution system (hereafter called a sampling point),
beginning within one quarter after being notified by the Division. Systems
already designated by the Division must continue to sample until the Division
reviews and either reaffirms or removes the designation.
1. If the gross beta particle activity minus
the naturally occurring potassium-40 beta particle activity at a sampling point
has a running annual average (computed quarterly) less than or equal to 50
pCi/L (screening level), the Division may reduce the frequency of monitoring at
that sampling point to once every 3 years. Systems must collect all samples
required in paragraph 12(a) during the reduced monitoring period.
2. For systems in the vicinity of a nuclear
facility, the Division may allow the CWS to utilize environmental surveillance
data collected by the nuclear facility in lieu of monitoring at the system's
entry point(s), where the Division determines if such data is applicable to a
particular water system. In the event that there is a release from a nuclear
facility, systems which are using surveillance data must begin monitoring at
the community water system's entry point(s) in accordance with paragraph 12(a)
of this rule.
(b)
Community water systems (both surface and ground water) designated by the
Division as utilizing waters contaminated by effluents from nuclear facilities
must sample for beta particle and photon radioactivity. Systems must collect
quarterly samples for beta emitters and iodine-131 and annual samples for
tritium and strontium-90 at each entry point to the distribution system
(hereafter called a sampling point), beginning within one quarter after being
notified by the Division. Systems already designated by the Division as systems
using waters contaminated by effluents from nuclear facilities must continue to
sample until the Division reviews and either reaffirms or removes the
designation.
1. Quarterly monitoring for gross
beta particle activity shall be based on the analysis of monthly samples or the
analysis of a composite of three monthly samples. The former is
recommended.
2. For iodine-131, a
composite of five consecutive daily samples shall be analyzed once each
quarter. As ordered by the Division, more frequent monitoring shall be
conducted when iodine-131 is identified in the finished water.
3. Annual monitoring for strontium-90 and
tritium shall be conducted by means of the analysis of a composite of four
consecutive quarterly samples or analysis of four quarterly samples. The latter
procedure is recommended.
4. If the
gross beta particle activity beta minus the naturally occurring potassium-40
beta particle activity at a sampling point has a running annual average
(computed quarterly) less than or equal to 15 pCi/L, the Division may reduce
the frequency of monitoring at that sampling point to every 3 years. Systems
must collect the same type of samples required in paragraph 12(b) during the
reduced monitoring period.
5. For
systems in the vicinity of a nuclear facility, the Division may allow the CWS
to utilize environmental surveillance data collected by the nuclear facility in
lieu of monitoring at the system's entry point(s), where the Division
determines if such data is applicable to a particular water system. In the
event that there is a release from a nuclear facility, systems which are using
surveillance data must begin monitoring at the community water system's entry
point(s) in accordance with paragraph 12(b).
(c) Community water systems designated by the
Division to monitor for beta particle activity and photon radioactivity cannot
apply to the Division for a waiver from the monitoring frequencies specified in
paragraphs 12(a) or 12(b).
(d)
Community water systems may analyze for naturally occurring potassium-40 beta
particle activity from the same or equivalent sample used for the gross beta
particle activity analysis. Systems are allowed to subtract the potassium-40
beta particle activity value from the total gross beta particle activity value
to determine if the screening level is exceeded. The potassium-40 beta particle
activity must be calculated by multiplying elemental potassium concentrations
(in mg/L) by a factor of 0.82.
(e)
If the gross beta particle activity minus the naturally occurring potassium-40
beta particle activity exceeds the screening level, an analysis of the sample
must be performed to identify the major radioactive constituents present in the
sample and the appropriate doses must be calculated and summed to determine
compliance with 40 CFR Sec.
141.66(d)(1), using the
formula in 40 CFR Sec.
141.66(d)(2). Doses must
also be calculated and combined for measured levels of tritium and strontium to
determine compliance.
(13)
Monthly Sampling. Systems
must monitor monthly at the sampling point(s) which exceed the maximum
contaminant level in 40 CFR
Sec. 141.66(d) beginning the
month after the exceedance occurs. Systems must continue monthly monitoring
until the system has established, by a rolling average of 3 monthly samples,
that the MCL is being met. Systems who establish that the MCL is being met must
return to quarterly monitoring until they meet the requirements set forth in
paragraphs (12)(a)(1) or 12(b)(4).
(14)
Running Annual Average. For
systems monitoring more than once per year, compliance with the MCL is
determined by a running annual average at each sampling point. If the average
of any sampling point is greater than the MCL, then the system is out of
compliance with the MCL.
(15)
Exceeding MCL. For systems monitoring more than once per year, if
any sample result will cause the running average to exceed the MCL at any
sample point, the system is out of compliance with the MCL
immediately.
(16)
Running
Annual Average Calculation. If a system does not collect all required
samples when compliance is based on a running annual average of quarterly
samples, compliance will be based on the running average of the samples
collected.
(17)
Detection
Limit and Running Annual Average Calculation. If a sample result is less
than the detection limit, zero will be used to calculate the annual average,
unless a gross alpha particle activity is being used in lieu of radium-226
and/or uranium. If the gross alpha particle activity result is less than
detection, half (1/2) the detection limit will be used to calculate the annual
average.
(18)
MCLGs.
The Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for Combined radium-226 and
radium-228, Gross alpha particle activity, Beta particle and photon
radioactivity, and uranium is zero.
(19)
MCLs. The Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL) for radioactive particles is as follows:
(a) MCL for combined radium-226 and
radium-228. The maximum contaminant level for combined radium-226 and
radium-228 is 5 pCi/L. The combined radium-226 and radium-228 value is
determined by the addition of the results of the analysis for radium-226 and
the analysis for radium-228.
(b)
MCL for gross alpha particle activity (excluding radon and uranium). The
maximum contaminant level for gross alpha particle activity (including
radium-226 but excluding radon and uranium) is 15 pCi/L.
(c) MCL for beta particle and photon
radioactivity. The average annual concentration of beta particle and photon
radioactivity from man-made radionuclides in drinking water must not produce an
annual dose equivalent to the total body or any internal organ greater than
four millirem per year (4 mrem/yr).
(d) MCL for uranium. The maximum contaminant
level for uranium is 30 µg/L.
(20)
Best available
technology.40 CFR Parts 141.66(g) and 141.66(h) are incorporated by
reference.
O.C.G.A.
§
12-5-170
et
seq.
