South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-58.3 - Surface Water Sources and Treatment
Section 61-58.3.E - Chemical Application

Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 61-58.3.E

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024

(1) General--No chemical shall be applied to treat drinking waters unless specifically approved by the Department.

(a) Plans and specifications--Plans and Specifications shall be submitted for review and approval, as required by in R.61-58.1, and shall include:
(i) descriptions of feed equipment, including maximum and minimum feed ranges and pump curves for solution feeders,

(ii) location of feeders, piping layout and points of chemical application;

(iii) storage and handling facilities;

(iv) specifications for chemicals to be used;

(v) operating and control procedures including proposed application rates;

(vi) descriptions of testing equipment and procedures; and,

(vii) locations of sampling taps for testing.

(b) Chemical application--Chemicals shall be applied to the water at such points and by such means as to:
(i) provide maximum efficiency of treatment;

(ii) ensure maximum safety to consumer;

(iii) provide maximum safety to operators;

(iv) ensure satisfactory mixing of the chemicals with the water;

(v) provide maximum flexibility of operation through various points of application, when appropriate,

(vi) prevent backflow or back-siphonage between multiple points of feed through the use of separate feed equipment for each point and backflow preventers where a manifold system is used for standby, multiple feed use;

(vii) provide a separate injection point and a separate feed line for each chemical application that is added and spacing to prevent inter-reaction of chemicals; and,

(viii) provide chemical injection points which are readily accessible. All below-grade injection points shall be housed in a vault or similar structure.

(c) General equipment design--General equipment design shall be such that:
(i) chemical-contact materials and surfaces are corrosion resistant;

(ii) corrosive chemicals are introduced in such a manner as to minimize potential for corrosion; and,

(iii) chemicals that are incompatible are not fed, stored or handled together.

(2) Facility Design

(a) Chemical feeders
(i) A separate feeder shall be used for each separate chemical applied, and for each injection point.

(ii) Spare parts shall be available for all feeders to replace parts which are subject to wear and damage.

(iii) Dry chemical feeds shall:
(A) measure chemicals volumetrically or gravimetrically;

(B) provide adequate solution water and agitation of the chemical in the solution pot;

(C) provide gravity feed from solution pots; and,

(D) completely enclose chemicals to prevent emission of dust into the operating room and/or provide dust collection units.

(iv) When a booster pump is required, duplicate equipment shall be provided; and, when necessary, standby power shall be provided. Where chemical feed is necessary for the protection of the supply, such as chlorination, coagulation, or other essential processes:
(A) A minimum of two (2) feeders shall be provided; and,

(B) The standby unit or a combination of units of sufficient capacity shall be available to replace the largest unit during shut-downs.

(v) Chemical feed equipment shall be located in a separate room to reduce hazards and dust problems; shall be conveniently located near points of application to minimize length of feed lines; and, shall be readily accessible for servicing, repair, and observation of operation.

(vi) Feeders shall be able to supply, at all times, the necessary amount of chemicals at an accurate rate.

(b) Control
(i) Feeders with automatic controls shall be designed so as to allow override by manual controls.

(ii) Chemical feed rates shall be proportional to flow.

(iii) Meters, scales, calibration columns, or other acceptable means to measure chemicals being fed must be provided in order to determine chemical feed rates.

(iv) Provisions shall be made for measuring the quantities of chemicals used.

(c) Cross-connection control
(i) Cross connection control shall be provided to ensure that liquid chemical solutions cannot be siphoned through solution feeders into the water supply.

(ii) The service water lines discharging to the solution tanks shall be properly protected from backflow as required by the Department.

(iii) No direct connection shall exist between any sewer and a drain or overflow from the feeder, solution chamber or tank. All drains shall terminate at least six (6) inches or two (2) pipe diameters, whichever is greater, above the overflow rim of a receiving sump, conduit or waste receptacle.

(d) Service Water Supply--Service water supply shall be ample in supply and adequate in pressure; shall be properly treated potable water; shall be properly protected against backflow; and, a means shall be provided to measure the quantity of water used in preparing specific solution concentrations by dilution;.

(e) Storage of chemicals
(i) Space shall be provided for at least thirty (30) days of chemical supply and provide for convenient, efficient and safe handling of chemicals. Dry storage conditions must be maintained for dry chemicals.

(ii) Storage tanks and pipelines for liquid chemicals shall be designed specifically for each chemical used.

(iii) Chemicals shall be stored in covered or unopened shipping containers, unless the chemical is transferred into an approved covered storage unit.

(iv) Liquid chemical storage tanks shall have:
(A) a liquid level indicator;

(B) an overflow; and,

(C) secondary containment capable of receiving and containing accidental spills or overflows. Consideration must be given to reactivity of chemicals stored in a single containment area.

(f) Solution tanks
(i) A means which is consistent with the nature of the chemical solution shall be provided in a solution tank to maintain a uniform strength of solution. Continuous agitation shall be provided to maintain slurries in suspension.

(ii) Two solution tanks of adequate volume may be required for a chemical to ensure continuity of supply in servicing a solution tank.

(iii) Means shall be provided to measure the solution level in the tank.

(iv) Chemical solutions shall be kept covered. Large tanks with access openings shall have such openings curbed and fitted with tight overhanging covers.

(v) Surface locations for solution tanks shall:
(A) be free from sources of possible contamination; and,

(B) Ensure positive drainage from ground waters, accumulated water, chemical spills and overflows from around tank.

(vi) Overflow pipes, when provided, shall:
(A) be turned downward, with the end screened;

(B) have an air gap of two (2) pipe diameters or six (6) inches, whichever is greater; and,

(C) be located where noticeable.

(vii) Acid storage tanks shall be independently vented to the outside atmosphere.

(viii) Each tank shall be provided with a valved drain, protected against backflow in accordance with R.61-58.3(E)(2)(c)(iii)(E)(2)(c)(iii).

(ix) Solution tanks shall be provided with protective curbing, drains or other secondary containment capable of receiving and containing accidental spills or overflows.

(g) Day tanks
(i) Day tanks shall be provided where bulk storage of liquid chemical is provided.

(ii) Day tanks shall meet all the requirements of R.61-58.3.E(2)(f).

(iii) Day tanks shall be scale-mounted, or have a calibrated gauge painted or mounted on the side so liquid level can be observed in a gauge tube or through translucent sidewalls of the tank. In opaque tanks, a gauge rod extending above a reference point at the top of the tank, attached to a float may be used. The ratio of the area of the tank to its height shall be such that unit readings are meaningful in relation to the total amount of chemical fed during a day.

(iv) Hand pumps may be provided for transfer from a carboy or drum. A tip rack may be used to permit withdrawal into a bucket from a spigot. Where motor-driven transfer pumps are provided, a liquid level limit switch and an overflow from the day tank, which will drain back into the bulk storage tank or other approved location, shall be provided.

(v) Tanks shall be properly labeled to designate the chemical contained.

(h) Feed lines
(i) Feed lines shall be as short as possible in length of run, and of durable, corrosion resistant material. They shall be easily accessible throughout the entire length, protected against freezing, and readily cleanable.

(ii) Feed lines shall be designed consistent with scale-forming or solids depositing properties of the water, chemical, solution or mixture conveyed.

(iii) Feed lines shall be color coded and labeled.

(iv) Where lime is added, a spare feed line equal in length to the longest run of feed line, shall be provided.

(i) Handling
(i) Carts, elevators and other appropriate means shall be provided for lifting chemical containers.

(ii) Provisions shall be made for disposing of empty bags, drums or barrels by an approved procedure which will minimize exposure to dust.

(iii) Provision shall be made for the proper transfer of dry chemicals from shipping containers to storage bins or hoppers, in such a way as to minimize the quantity of dust which may enter the room in which the equipment is installed.

(iv) Provision shall be made for measuring quantities of chemicals used to prepare feed solutions.

(j) Housing
(i) Floor surfaces shall be smooth, impervious, slip-proof and well-drained.

(ii) Vents from feeders, storage facilities and equipment exhaust shall discharge to the outside atmosphere above grade and remote from air intakes.

(iii) Feeders used in conjunction with dry lime or carbon shall be housed in separate, individual rooms equipped with dust control systems.

(iv) Sufficient lighting for operator safety and sufficient heating to provide for proper operation of the chemical feed equipment shall be provided for all chemical feed rooms.

(3) Chemicals Specifications--All chemicals and products added to a public water supply as part of the treatment process shall be certified as meeting the specifications of the American National Standards Institute/National Sanitation Foundation Standard 60, Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals--Health Effects. The certifying party shall be accredited by the American National Standards Institute.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. South Carolina may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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