98-22204. National Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Regulations: Analytical Methods for Regulated Drinking Water Contaminants  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 171 (Thursday, September 3, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 47098-47114]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-22204]
    
    
          
    
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    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    Part III
    
    
    
    
    
    Environmental Protection Agency
    
    
    
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    40 CFR Parts 141 and 143
    
    
    
    National Primary Water Regulations: Analytical Methods for Regulated 
    Drinking Water Contaminants; Final Rule and Proposed Rule
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 171 / Thursday, September 3, 1998 / 
    Rules and Regulations
    
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    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    
    40 CFR Parts 141 and 143
    
    [WH-FRL-6132-2]
    RIN 2040-AC77
    
    
    National Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Regulations: 
    Analytical Methods for Regulated Drinking Water Contaminants
    
    AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    
    ACTION: Direct final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: EPA is approving the use of updated versions of previously 
    approved American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Standard 
    Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater (Standard Methods or 
    SM) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analytical methods for 
    compliance determinations of chemical and microbiological contaminants 
    in drinking water. At the same time, the Agency is withdrawing approval 
    of the previous versions of the 14 EPA methods. Previous versions of 
    the SM and ASTM methods will continue to be approved. The Agency is 
    promulgating these methods as a direct final rule because the Agency 
    does not expect adverse comments and wants to ensure prompt 
    availability of the methods for compliance monitoring. In addition, the 
    Agency is making minor technical corrections or clarifications to the 
    regulations, amending the regulation to change the composition of 
    Performance Evaluation (PE) samples and require successful analysis of 
    PE samples once each year.
    
    DATES: This final rule will become effective without further notice on 
    January 4, 1999, unless EPA receives relevant adverse comment by 
    November 2, 1998.
        If the Agency receives such comments, EPA will withdraw this direct 
    final rule before its effective date by publishing a timely withdrawal 
    in the Federal Register informing the public the rule will not take 
    effect.
        The incorporation by reference of the publications listed in 
    today's rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
    January 4, 1999.
        In accordance with 40 CFR 23.7, this rule shall be considered final 
    for purposes of judicial review at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on January 
    15, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted either by mail or 
    elecrtronically. Comments may be sent to the W-97-04 Drinking Water 
    Analytical Methods Final Comment Clerk, U.S. Environmental Protection 
    Agency, Water Docket, MC 4101, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 
    20460. Please submit any references cited in your comments. EPA would 
    appreciate an original and 3 copies of your comments and enclosures 
    (including references).
        This Federal Register document has been placed on the Internet for 
    public review and downloading at the following location: http://
    www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. The record for this rulemaking has been 
    established under docket number W-97-04. Supporting documents 
    (including references and methods cited in this notice) are available 
    for review at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Water Docket, 
    East Tower Basement, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20460. For 
    access to the docket materials, call 202-260-3027 on Monday through 
    Friday, excluding Federal holidays, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. 
    Eastern Time for an appointment.
        Copies of final methods published by EPA are also available for a 
    nominal cost through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 
    U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 
    22161. NTIS also may be reached at 800-553-6847. All other methods must 
    be obtained from the publisher. Publishers (with addresses) for all 
    approved methods are cited at 40 CFR Part 141 and in the references 
    section of today's rule.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jitendra Saxena, Ph.D., Standards and 
    Risk Management Division, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water 
    (MC-4607), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW, 
    Washington, D.C. 20460, (202) 260-9579. Information may also be 
    obtained from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline. Callers within the 
    United States may reach the Hotline at (800) 426-4791. The Hotline is 
    open Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays, from 9:00 a.m. 
    to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
        For technical information regarding microbiology methods, contact 
    Paul S. Berger, Ph.D., Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (MC-
    4607), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. 20460, 
    telephone, (202) 260-3039. For technical information regarding 
    chemistry methods, contact Richard Reding, Ph.D., Office of Ground 
    Water and Drinking Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 
    Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, telephone (513) 569-7961. For a list of 
    Regional Contacts see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Potentially Regulated Entities
    
        EPA Regions, as well as States, Territories, and Tribes with 
    primacy to administer the regulatory program for public water systems 
    under the Safe Drinking Water Act, sometimes conduct analyses to 
    measure for contaminants in water samples, but often require the public 
    water systems themselves to conduct such analysis. If EPA has 
    established a maximum contaminant level (``MCL'') for a given drinking 
    water contaminant, the Agency also ``approves'' standardized testing 
    procedures (i.e., promulgated through rulemaking) for analysis of the 
    contaminant. Once EPA standardizes such test procedures, analysis using 
    those procedures (or approved alternate test procedures) is required. 
    Therefore, States, Territories, Tribes, and public water systems 
    required to test water samples are potentially regulated by the 
    standardization of testing procedures in this rulemaking. Categories 
    and entities that may ultimately be regulated include:
    
                                                                                                                    
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                                                                                         Examples of potentially    
                                       Category                                            regulated entities       
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    State and Territorial Governments and Indian Tribes...........................  States, Territories, and Tribes 
                                                                                     that analyze water samples on  
                                                                                     behalf of public water systems 
                                                                                     required to conduct such       
                                                                                     analysis; States, Territories, 
                                                                                     and Tribes that themselves     
                                                                                     operate public water systems   
                                                                                     required to conduct analytic   
                                                                                     monitoring                     
    Industry......................................................................  Industrial operators of public  
                                                                                     water systems                  
    Municipalities................................................................  Municipal operators of public   
                                                                                     water systems                  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
    guide for readers regarding entities likely to be regulated by this 
    action. This table lists the types of entities that EPA is now aware 
    could potentially be regulated by
    
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    this action. Other types of entities not listed in the table could also 
    be regulated. To determine whether your organization is or would be 
    regulated by this action, you should carefully examine the 
    applicability language at 40 CFR 141.2 (definition of public water 
    system). If you have questions regarding the applicability of this 
    action to a particular entity, consult the person listed in the 
    preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
    
    Regional Contacts
    
        EPA Regional Offices:
    I JFK Federal Bldg., One Congress Street, 11th Floor, Boston, MA 02203, 
    Phone: 617-565-3602, Linda Murphy
    II 290 Broadway, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10007, Phone: 212-637-3880, 
    Walter Andrews
    III 841 Chestnut Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Phone: 215-597-6511, 
    Victoria Binetti
    IV 345 Courtland Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30365, Phone: 404-347-2207, 
    Stalling Howell
    V 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604, Phone: 312-886-6206, 
    Charlene Denys
    VI 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75202, Phone: 214-655-7150, 
    Larry Wright
    VII 726 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101, Phone: 913-551-7682, 
    Robert Morby
    VIII One Denver Place, 999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80202, 
    Phone: 303-293-1652, Jack Rychecky
        IX 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, Phone: 415-744-
    1817, William Thurston
        X 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, Phone: 206-553-1893, Larry 
    Worley
    
    Table of Contents
    
    I. Statutory Authority
    II. Regulatory Background
    III. Explanation of Today's Action
        A. Approval of Updated Version of Compliance Analytical Methods
        B. Use of Previous Version of Compliance Analytical Methods
        C. Technical Corrections and Amendments
        D. Recommendation of Additional Methods for Chloride and Sulfate
        E. Performance-based Measurement System
    IV. Regulation Assessment Requirements
    V. References
    
    I. Statutory Authority
    
        The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended in 1996, requires 
    EPA to promulgate national primary drinking water regulations (NPDWRs) 
    which specify maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) or treatment techniques 
    for drinking water contaminants SDWA section 1412, (42 USC 300g-1). 
    NPDWRs apply to public water systems pursuant to SDWA section 1401, 42 
    USC 300f(1)(A). According to SDWA section 1401(1)(D) of the Act, NPDWRs 
    include ``criteria and procedures to assure a supply of drinking water 
    which dependably complies with such maximum contaminant levels; 
    including quality control and testing procedures . . . .'' see 42 USC 
    300f(1)(D). In addition, SDWA section 1445(a) of the Act authorizes the 
    Administrator to establish regulations for monitoring to assist in 
    determining whether persons are acting in compliance with the 
    requirements of the SDWA see 42 USC 300j-4. EPA's promulgation of 
    analytical methods is authorized under these sections of the SDWA as 
    well as the general rulemaking authority in SDWA section 1450(a), 42 
    USC 300j-9(a).
    
    II. Regulatory Background
    
        EPA has promulgated analytical methods for all currently regulated 
    drinking water contaminants for which it has promulgated MCLs or 
    monitoring requirements. In most cases, the Agency has approved use of 
    more than one analytical method for measurement of a contaminant and 
    laboratories may use any approved method for determining compliance 
    with an MCL or monitoring requirement. After any regulation is 
    published, EPA may amend the regulations to approve additional methods 
    or modifications to approved methods. In addition, the Agency may 
    withdraw methods that become obsolete or amend other requirements (such 
    as certification requirements) associated with the use of approved 
    methods. EPA takes these actions as quickly as possible after new or 
    revised methods are published.
        The most recent actions that included approving new or revised 
    analytical methods were published on December 5, 1994 (59 FR 62456); 
    May 14, 1996 (61 FR 24353) and on March 5, 1997 (62 FR 10168). In these 
    final rules EPA approved use of new methods or modifications of 
    existing methods that EPA believed were as good as, or better than, 
    previously approved methods and test procedures. These rules approved 
    methods for the analysis of chemical, microbiological and radiological 
    contaminants in drinking water samples.
    
    III. Explanation of Today's Action
    
        This rule approves new versions of currently approved Environmental 
    Protection Agency (EPA) methods, American Society for Testing and 
    Materials (ASTM) methods, and Standard Methods for the Examination of 
    Water and Wastewater (Standard Methods or SM) for compliance with 
    drinking water standards and monitoring requirements. Compared to the 
    currently approved versions, the new versions contain primarily 
    editorial or technical changes and other changes that make the methods 
    easier to conduct or safer. The rule only withdraws previously approved 
    versions of EPA methods. Previously approved versions of ASTM and 
    Standard Methods are not withdrawn and laboratories may continue to use 
    them. By today's action, EPA also recommends additional methods for 
    monitoring of chloride and sulfate which are regulated under the 
    National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations. Finally, today's action 
    also corrects method citations and makes other minor technical 
    corrections to the regulations.
        The Agency is promulgating these regulatory actions as a ``direct 
    final'' rule. A direct final rulemaking involves publishing of a rule 
    with a delayed effective date as well as a companion proposed rule 
    referencing the direct final rule and inviting public comment. The 
    delayed effective date on the final rule allows for the receipt of 
    relevant adverse comment before the direct final rule goes into effect. 
    If EPA receives relevant adverse comments on the companion proposal on 
    or before November 2, 1998, then EPA will take additional action 
    necessary to respond to those comments prior to the effective date 
    (i.e., withdraw any or all of the actions and proceed with a revised 
    rule based on the companion proposal). EPA has chosen to use the direct 
    final approach for these regulatory actions because the Agency does not 
    expect to receive adverse public comments. Additionally, the procedure 
    allows for the most expeditious implementation possible consistent with 
    the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). If EPA decides to withdraw any 
    or all of the actions, EPA will proceed with a revised rule based on 
    the companion proposal.
    
    A. Approval of Updated Version of Compliance Analytical Methods
    
        The updated versions of previously approved methods discussed in 
    this section contain changes that EPA believes will be considered non-
    controversial and useful by laboratory personnel and certification 
    officials.
    ASTM and Standard Methods
        In this direct final rule, EPA is approving revised versions of 
    ASTM methods and Standard methods that are
    
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    published respectively in the 1996 Annual Book of ASTM Standards [ASTM 
    1996] and in the 19th edition of Standard Methods for the Examination 
    of Water and Wastewater [APHA 1995]. These methods include 6 revised 
    ASTM Methods and 23 revised Standard Methods. EPA is also approving the 
    unchanged versions of 19 ASTM methods and 31 Standard Methods that are 
    published in the 1996 ASTM and 1995 Standard Methods publications. 
    Although these 50 methods are not changed from previous versions, ASTM 
    and Standard Methods reprints the unchanged methods along with the 
    revised methods so that the books include all of the current versions 
    of the chemical and microbiological methods published by the respective 
    organization. Because EPA is not withdrawing approval of the currently 
    approved version of any ASTM or Standard Method, approval of the 
    revised methods via a direct final rulemaking should not have any 
    adverse effect on users. Comments are not being solicited on the 
    unchanged methods.
        All 6 of the revised ASTM methods and 11 of the 23 revised Standard 
    Methods contain only editorial changes or minor editorial 
    clarifications. Twelve of the revised Standard Methods contain minor 
    technical clarifications or voluntary but useful options, such as 
    better explanations on conducting a specific step in the method, 
    recommendations for safer handling or disposal of hazardous reagents, 
    and options to use alternative procedures, reagents or equipment. The 
    changes between the old and new versions of the 12 revised Standard 
    Methods are described below.
        Twelve of the revised Standard methods include eleven microbiology 
    methods and one turbidity method. The eleven microbiology methods 
    published in the 19th edition of Standard Methods have been extensively 
    rewritten to improve clarity and ease of use. The revised methods are 
    SM 9215B; SM 9221A,B,C,D,E; SM 9222A,B,C,D; and SM 9223. For the 
    convenience of the user, the new versions contain certain steps that 
    presently are only specified in the regulations at 40 CFR 141.21(f). 
    Thus, the new versions eliminate the need to consult the Code of 
    Federal Regulations to obtain directions for conducting certain steps 
    in the analysis, such as use of MUG media in SM 9221E. The revised 
    turbidity method is SM 2130B. Previously, EPA and Standard Methods 
    adopted the same definition for primary standards in turbidity methods. 
    In the 19th edition version of SM 2130B, only formazin polymer is 
    designated as the primary standard reference suspension with all others 
    being designated as secondary standards. This change is discussed in 
    more detail by Posavec [AWWA 1996]. EPA considers this change to be 
    acceptable and approves SM 2130B (19th ed.).
    EPA Methods
        This section discusses fourteen revised EPA methods, which are 
    published in the manual ``Methods for the Determination of Organic 
    Compounds in Drinking Water Supplement III'' (EPA Supplement III) [EPA 
    1995]. Previous versions of these methods were approved in final rules 
    published on December 5, 1994 (59 FR 62456, the methods rule) and on 
    May 14, 1996 (61 FR 24353, the ICR rule). The new versions contain 
    minor corrections, minor technical enhancements and editorial 
    improvements. The new versions also include the mandatory method 
    modifications that were approved in the 1994 methods rule and published 
    in the EPA document ``Technical Notes on Drinking Water Methods'' (Tech 
    Notes) [EPA 1994b]. In the 1994 rule, EPA stated that the modifications 
    in Tech Notes would be placed in the affected method when the method 
    was revised for the next supplement of the manual of organic methods. 
    EPA revised these methods in the August 1995 publication of the revised 
    versions in EPA Supplement III.
        Under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and SDWA, EPA may 
    approve a new method and withdraw a previously approved method within 
    30 days and 18 months, respectively, after promulgation of a final 
    rule. The timing of the withdrawal of the older EPA methods should have 
    no adverse effect on laboratories because of the 17 month transition 
    period from the old to the new versions. This overlap in approval and 
    withdrawal dates gives laboratories sufficient time to become certified 
    with the new methods. Because the changes between the new and older 
    versions are minor, EPA expects that States will honor the 
    certification status long enough for laboratories to conveniently 
    change to the new versions even if this should take more than 17 
    months.
        As explained in the introduction to EPA's Supplement III manual, 
    all the methods in EPA Supplement III either have a new revision number 
    or a new method number. New revision numbers for Methods 502.2, 504.1, 
    505, 506, 507, 508, 508.1, 515.1, 515.2, 524.2, 525.2 and 531.1 
    indicate a relatively small modification to the method. New method 
    numbers for Methods 551.1 and 552.2 indicate a relatively larger change 
    in the method that significantly enhances the performance of the 
    method. Differences between the previous version and the new version of 
    EPA methods (EPA Supplement III) of each method are described below.
    Quality Control Improvements in EPA Methods 505, 506, 507, 508, 515.1, 
    515.2, 531.1, 551.1 and 552.2
        EPA changed the quality control requirements in some EPA Supplement 
    III methods to improve uniformity from EPA method to method and to 
    ensure the quality of the data. For example, the criteria in methods 
    505, 506, 507, 508, 515.1, 515.2, 531.1, 551.1 and 552.2 for judging 
    the acceptability of analyte recoveries have been changed to put an 
    upper limit on the allowed variability. Without this upper limit the 
    allowed variability, which was based only on the percent relative 
    standard deviation (RSD) of previous recoveries and not a fixed 
    numerical limit, could increase to unacceptable limits if the RSD 
    continued to increase during routine use of the method.
        The revised criteria still allow the recoveries to vary by as much 
    as three times the RSD provided this value does not exceed a fixed 
    numerical limit. The fixed (usually 30%) limit is specified 
    in the initial demonstration of capability section of each EPA method. 
    EPA uses the initial demonstration of capability to set a fixed upper 
    limit for analyte recoveries because recoveries should not vary more in 
    routine use than when the method was first validated by the laboratory.
    Detector Substitution in EPA Methods 505, 507, 508 and 508.1
        EPA Methods 505 and 508.1 measure several regulated analytes. EPA 
    Method 508 measures a subset of these analytes and EPA Method 507 
    measures the remainder. EPA Methods 505, 508 and 508.1 were developed 
    and validated by EPA only with an electron capture (EC) detector and 
    Method 507 only with a nitrogen-phosphorous (NP) detector. Previous 
    versions of EPA Methods 505, 507 and 508 allowed use of either an EC or 
    NP detector provided the method performance criteria were met. EPA has 
    data [NY 1996] from the Suffolk County Water Authority (a New York 
    laboratory) that demonstrate better sensitivity for simazine, atrazine, 
    alachlor, butachlor and metolachlor using a NP detector with EC Method 
    508.1 conditions. Because EPA believes interchange of detectors may 
    work under some circumstances for some analytes, in today's rule EPA 
    allows use of either an EC or NP detector in EPA Methods 505, 507, 508 
    and 508.1
    
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    provided all regulatory limits and quality control criteria in the 
    method are met.
    Recommendations to Improve Detection Limits in EPA Method 505 and for 
    Total Metals
        EPA is recommending the use of alternative approved methods when 
    lower detection limits are needed for contaminants analyzed with EPA 
    Method 505. Although substitution of a NP detector for the EC detector 
    specified in EPA Method 505 will improve detection limits for nitrogen-
    containing compounds, it will not improve detection of non-nitrogen 
    analytes, such as aroclors. Rather than change the EC detector in EPA 
    Method 505, EPA recommends in a footnote to the table of approved 
    methods at 40 CFR 141.24(e) use of the other approved EPA Methods 
    508.1, 525.2, 507 and 508. EPA especially recommends use of EPA Method 
    508.1 when low detection limits are required or when users want to use 
    small volumes of solvent. Reasons for the difference in detection limit 
    performance between EPA Method 505 and the alternate methods are 
    described below.
        In 1986 EPA developed EPA Method 505 using the EC detector as an 
    alternative to EPA Methods 507 and 508. A primary advantage of EPA 
    Method 505 was the use of less sample (35 ml compared to 1 L) and less 
    solvent (2 ml of hexane compared to 180 ml of methylene chloride). 
    However, the analyte-to-water sample concentration factor in EPA 
    Methods 507 and 508 of 200:1 is more favorable than the 17.5:1 factor 
    in EPA Method 505. The lower concentration factor means that it is more 
    difficult to obtain low detection limits with EPA Method 505. EPA 
    developed Method 508.1 in 1994 as an alternative to EPA Methods 505, 
    507 and 508. EPA Method 508.1, through use of solid phase extraction 
    media, combines the advantages of high analyte concentration (1000:1 
    concentration factor) and small volumes of extraction and rinsing 
    solvents (about 40 ml).
        EPA is also specifying how to achieve lower detection limits in the 
    analysis of metals. In footnotes to the table of approved methods at 40 
    CFR 141.23(k)(1), EPA provides instructions on using various 
    preconcentration techniques to achieve better method sensitivity. EPA 
    used these techniques to determine many of the detection limits that 
    are specified in EPA Methods 200.7, 200.8 and 200.9.
    Additional Analytes in EPA Supplement III versions of Methods 508.1, 
    525.2 and 551.1
        EPA Method 508.1, Rev. 1.0 covered many EPA Method 507 and 508 
    analytes, but not butachlor, PCBs or toxaphene. Based on new data that 
    is published in Rev. 2.0, EPA Method 508.1 now measures butachlor, 
    toxaphene and PCBs (as aroclors). EPA is also publishing data in EPA 
    Method 525.2, Rev. 2.0 that supports approval of this method for 
    Aroclor analysis. EPA Method 551.1, which is replacing EPA Method 551, 
    contains data to support approval of the method for the analysis of 
    fourteen additional contaminants. The new regulated analytes measured 
    by EPA Method 551.1 that were not measured by EPA Method 551 are: 
    1,1,2-trichloroethane, alachlor, atrazine, endrin, heptachlor, 
    heptachlor epoxide, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorocyclopentadiene, 
    lindane, methoxychlor and simazine. The new unregulated analytes 
    measured by EPA Method 551.1 are: 1,2,3-trichloropropane, metolachlor 
    and metribuzin.
    Other Differences in Currently Approved and EPA Supplement III Versions 
    of EPA Methods
        Methods in EPA Supplement III are listed below by method and 
    revision number along with a brief description of some of the changes 
    new to the EPA Supplement III version of the method.
        EPA Method 502.2, Rev. 2.1 This method is unchanged from Rev. 2.0 
    (as modified by Tech Notes) except for minor editorial clarifications 
    and the removal of an option to use single point calibration. This 
    single point calibration option had been carried forward from versions 
    of EPA Method 502 that were developed in the late 1970's when gas 
    chromatographs and data systems were much less advanced than today. EPA 
    Method 502.2 is the only multi-analyte method in which EPA allowed 
    single point calibration exception to method QC requirements. Single 
    point calibration was intended for occasional use when one or two 
    analytes of the sixty analytes failed the continuing calibration check 
    specified in the method and when these analytes were not routinely 
    expected to be a source of drinking water contamination. Under the 
    single point calibration option, if an uncalibrated analyte was 
    detected in a compliance sample, EPA allowed quantitation using a 
    standard very close to the unknown amount.
        EPA is removing single point calibration from EPA Method 502.2 
    because advances in GC technology in the last two decades make it 
    unnecessary. Analytes fall outside the QC criteria of the method less 
    frequently today and when they do, the calibration can be rechecked 
    quickly using modern data systems. It is important to recheck the 
    calibration because, rather than being a random error, the QC failure 
    may indicate that the method detection limit has changed enough to 
    produce false negative results in compliance analyses.
        EPA Method 504.1, Rev. 1.1 Other than minor editorial 
    clarifications, this method is unchanged from the previous version of 
    504.1 (as modified by Tech Notes). The EPA Supplement III version (Rev. 
    1.1) more clearly states that dibromochloromethane is a commonly 
    occurring drinking water contaminant that can easily be misidentified 
    as ethylene dibromide unless the confirmatory procedures described in 
    the method are adhered to.
        EPA Method 505, Rev. 2.1 This method is modified from Rev. 2.0 as 
    described above regarding substitution of a NP detector and some 
    changes in the quality control requirements. The EPA Supplement III 
    version also contains additional instructions on the measurement of 
    multi-component mixtures, such as aroclors.
        EPA Methods 506, 515.1, 515.2, 524.2 and 531.1 Other than minor 
    editorial clarifications and the quality control changes discussed 
    above, the EPA Supplement III version of each of these methods is 
    unchanged from the previous version. Data tables in the EPA Supplement 
    III versions of EPA Methods 515.1 and 531.1 are reorganized for clarity 
    and addition of method detection limits.
        EPA Method 507, Rev. 2.1 This method is modified from Rev. 2.0 as 
    described above regarding substitution of an EC detector and some 
    changes in the quality control requirements. Data tables are 
    reorganized for clarity and addition of method detection limits.
        EPA Method 508, Rev. 3.1 This method was modified from Rev. 3.0 as 
    described above regarding substitution of a NP detector and some 
    changes in the quality control requirements. Rev. 3.1 also contains 
    additional instructions on the measurement of multi-component mixtures, 
    such as aroclors. Data tables are reorganized for clarity and addition 
    of method detection limits.
        EPA Method 508.1, Rev. 2.0 This method is modified from Rev. 1.0 as 
    described above regarding substitution with a NP detector and addition 
    of aroclors, butachlor and toxaphene, as analytes. Sample holding 
    times, analyte recoveries and other method performance data were 
    obtained using
    
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    the same procedures used in EPA Method 525.2. These procedures include 
    acidification of the sample at the time of collection and use of solid-
    phase extraction (SPE) media to extract the analytes from the drinking 
    water sample. The analytes in EPA Methods 508.1 and 525.2 with SPE are 
    similar to those measured with EPA Methods 505, 507 and 508, which use 
    liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) to extract the analytes. Although the 
    analytes are similar, only the SPE methods (in both the previous and 
    the EPA Supplement III versions) require that the sample be acidified. 
    Acidification increases the SPE extraction efficiency for some analytes 
    and the holding times for some analytes are longer relative to the LLE 
    methods. EPA develops multi-analyte methods with sample collection and 
    preparation procedures that are appropriate for the entire analyte 
    list. Although acidification may not be necessary to measure every EPA 
    Method 508.1 or 525.2 analyte, EPA did not develop these methods to 
    allow the omission of some sampling or procedural steps for 
    laboratories that analyze only a portion of the method analytes. Thus, 
    EPA continues to require acidification of samples that are analyzed 
    with EPA Methods 508.1 and 525.2 using SPE.
        EPA Method 509, Rev. 1.1 This method is a single analyte method for 
    the pesticide metabolite ethylenethiourea (ETU). This method is not 
    proposed in today's rule because there are no drinking water monitoring 
    requirements for ETU. However, EPA recommends this method for use by 
    systems wishing to measure ETU in drinking water samples.
        EPA Method 525.2, Rev. 2.0 As discussed above, Rev. 2.0 is modified 
    from Rev. 1.0 to add aroclors as analytes. The method instructions also 
    clarify that the extract holding time is measured from the time of 
    extraction and not from the time of sample collection.
        EPA Method 551.1, Rev. 1.0 EPA Method 551.1 is an improvement to 
    EPA Method 551 because it uses a buffer that increases sample holding 
    times from 2 days to 14 days. EPA Method 551.1 was recently approved 
    for ICR monitoring at 40 CFR 141.142 in the 1996 ICR rule (61 FR 24383, 
    table 7). It will be approved as a replacement for EPA Method 551 at 40 
    CFR 141.24(e) for analysis of trihalomethanes and twenty other organic 
    chemicals. Besides the buffer, other differences between EPA Methods 
    551 (as modified by Tech Notes) and 551.1 include use of surrogate and 
    other quality control standards to improve the precision and accuracy 
    of the method. The QC sections of the method have been changed to 
    accommodate these changes to the method.
        EPA Method 552.2, Rev. 1.0 This liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) 
    method was developed as an alternative to EPA Method 552.1, which is a 
    solid phase extraction (SPE) method. EPA Method 552.2 using LLE was 
    approved for measurement of several disinfection by-products in the 
    1996 ICR rule and in today's rule EPA is approving it for analysis of 
    dalapon. To allow users a choice of either liquid or solid phase 
    extraction EPA is not withdrawing approval of EPA Method 552.1 using 
    SPE.
    
    B. Use of Previous Versions of Compliance Analytical Methods
    
        In the 1994 methods rule (59 FR 62456), EPA approved only one 
    version of each compliance method that was published by ASTM, Standard 
    Methods or EPA. The effective date of this action was July 1, 1996. EPA 
    approved only the 1994 versions because these versions generally 
    contained significant improvements in safety, quality assurance or 
    performance. In today's rule EPA is approving methods that are in the 
    1996 ASTM Annual Book and in the 19th edition of Standard Methods, but 
    EPA is not withdrawing approval of the currently approved versions 
    which are published in the 1994 ASTM Annual Book and in the 18th 
    edition of Standard Methods. EPA is approving use of the two versions 
    of the same method because the differences between the versions are too 
    minor to require users to purchase new books. Depending on the nature 
    and extent of future revisions, EPA may propose to approve only the 
    most recent versions of methods published by ASTM or the relevant 
    Standard Methods committee.
        Previously approved versions of EPA methods will remain available 
    for compliance monitoring until March 3, 2000. The previous versions of 
    EPA methods are 502.2 Rev. 2.0, 505 Rev. 2.0, 507 Rev. 2.0, 508 Rev. 
    3.0, 515.1 Rev. 4.0, 531.1 Rev. 3.0 found in ``Methods for the 
    Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water'', December 1988, 
    revised July 1991; methods 506 Rev. 1.0 and 551 Rev. 1.0 found in 
    ``Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking 
    Water--Supplement I'', July 1990; methods 515.2 Rev. 1.0 and 524.2 Rev. 
    4.0 found in ``Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds in 
    Drinking Water--Supplement II,'' August 1992; and methods 504.1 Rev. 
    1.0, 508.1 Rev. 1.0, 525.2 Rev.1.0 available from US EPA NERL, 
    Cincinnati, OH 45268.
        Sources for obtaining copies of the approved versions of compliance 
    methods are listed in the Addresses section at the beginning of this 
    rule, in the References section below and at 40 CFR Parts 141 and 143. 
    Users of the Internet can retrieve information about current EPA 
    methods manuals under the EPA home page at the Internet address: http:/
    /www.epa.gov/nerlcwww/methmans.html. This site contains the titles, 
    ordering information with publication numbers, abstracts, tables of 
    contents, and analyte-method cross reference lists for EPA manuals that 
    were published between 1988 and 1995. The cross reference lists are 
    especially helpful because they match alphabetical lists of analytes 
    with the corresponding method(s) of analysis.
    
    C. Technical Corrections and Amendments
    
        Today's action also makes corrections in method citations and minor 
    changes to the regulations. The regulatory changes include corrections 
    or clarification to current requirements for composition of Performance 
    Evaluation (PE) samples, frequency of PE-analysis, sample collection, 
    sample holding times, description of acid herbicides. These technical 
    corrections and amendments are discussed in detail below.
    SM 4110B
        The citation for SM 4110B in the tables of methods listed at 40 CFR 
    141.23(k)(1) and 143.3(b) is incorrect for some contaminants. This 
    approved method uses ion chromatography in a chemical suppression mode. 
    In the 1994 methods rule (59 FR 62456), EPA inadvertently listed this 
    method as 4110 for some contaminants. The 4110 designation may confuse 
    some readers because it might imply approval of SM 4110C, which is also 
    contained within the SM 4110 citation. EPA has never approved nor 
    intended to approve SM 4110C, which uses ion chromatography in an 
    electronic suppression mode. In today's rule, EPA is correcting all 
    citations to be SM 4110B.
    PE Sample Composition
        In the future, EPA may elect to make performance evaluation (PE) 
    samples more challenging and lower the costs of the PE program by not 
    including all regulated contaminants in each PE study. This would mean 
    that a laboratory could be required to report whether or not a 
    contaminant was detected in the PE sample and correctly report the 
    concentration of each contaminant that it did detect in the sample. 
    Correct reporting of
    
    [[Page 47103]]
    
    concentrations is described and specified in regulations as being 
    within certain ``acceptance limits'' around the true value. EPA would 
    apply the acceptance limits specified in the regulations only if the 
    contaminant has been added to the PE sample, i.e., these limits do not 
    apply for concentrations of zero.
        By today's action EPA amends the introduction to the tables of 
    acceptance criteria in the regulations to clarify that EPA may include 
    any number of contaminants in any PE sample. The regulations at 
    Sec. 141.23(k)(3), Sec. 141.24(f)(17) and Sec. 141.24(h)(19) are 
    revised to change ``Achieve . . . results . . .'' to ``For each 
    contaminant that has been included in the sample achieve . . . results 
    . . .''. This amendment means, for example, that although the 
    acceptance limit for nitrate is 10% at 0.4 mg/L, 
    the analyst would not need to achieve this acceptance limit if nitrate 
    is not added to the PE sample and the true value is therefore zero.
    Annual PE Requirement
        In the State certification of laboratories to measure for a 
    contaminant, EPA has long recommended that the laboratory analyze a PE 
    sample within prescribed acceptance limits for that contaminant. EPA 
    recommends an annual frequency for these tests in the Manual for the 
    Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water [EPA 1997], 
    though the Agency has not specified a frequency requirement in the 
    related drinking water regulations. All States that conduct laboratory 
    certification programs currently require laboratories to pass these 
    tests at least once a year. EPA believes an annual demonstration is an 
    appropriate requirement. In today's rule, EPA amends the regulations to 
    adopt the universal requirement for laboratories to successfully 
    analyze a PE sample at least once each year. Though not specified in 
    the regulation, the PE sample may be provided by EPA, the State or by a 
    third party with the approval of the State or EPA.
        EPA already proposed to include such a requirement in a previous 
    notice at 62 FR 36100 (July 3, 1997). Commenters questioned why EPA 
    proposed PE sample testing once a year, rather than twice a year 
    consistent with proposals under consideration by the National 
    Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Council (NELAC). Today's action 
    and the NELAC proposals are not inconsistent because today's action 
    establishes minimum standards; the NELAC standards would establish 
    higher standards that would be voluntary. NELAC has been considering 
    standards for accreditation of laboratories under the National 
    Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). NELAP 
    accreditation is voluntary and intended to promote consistency between 
    State accreditation standards for laboratories who operate in more than 
    one State. While EPA encourages states to adopt the NELAC standards, 
    such adoption would also be voluntary. Laboratories conducting analyses 
    in multiple states may strive for compliance with the NELAC standards, 
    such as two annual PE sample analyses. Not all laboratories, however, 
    need to meet such a requirement. Therefore, today's action only 
    requires laboratories to analyze a single PE sample once a year.
    Composite Sample Follow-up Reporting Time
        The regulations at 40 CFR 141.23(a)(4), 141.24(f)(14) and 
    141.24(h)(10) specify criteria for when an individual sample collected 
    from a compositing point must be analyzed to confirm the results of the 
    analysis of the composite sample. The confirmatory analysis may be 
    conducted on either a duplicate sample (collected at each compositing 
    point) or on follow-up samples collected later. EPA had intended to 
    allow systems up to 14-days to collect, analyze and report the results 
    of these samples provided the sample holding time is not exceeded. The 
    wording in the regulations at 40 CFR 141.23(a)(4)(iii), 
    141.24(f)(14)(ii) and (h)(10)(ii), however, has caused confusion and 
    hardship because some States have required some systems to report the 
    results of the analysis of duplicate confirmatory samples within 14-
    days after the composite sample was collected rather than 14-days after 
    the composite result is obtained. EPA is amending the regulations to 
    clarify that the confirmatory analysis result may be reported up to 14-
    days after completing analysis of the composite sample, provided the 
    holding time of the sample is not exceeded.
    Sample Collection Procedures for Asbestos and Nitrate
        The table at 40 CFR 141.23(k)(2) lists preservation procedures and 
    holding times for several drinking water contaminants. In today's rule, 
    EPA is correcting errors in the table for measurement of asbestos, 
    nitrate and total nitrate (nitrate plus nitrite).
        EPA is adding the 48 hour holding time and other instructions for 
    collecting asbestos samples that were inadvertently omitted from the 
    table. These instructions are in one asbestos compliance method (EPA 
    Method 100.2) but not in the other asbestos compliance method. Today's 
    rule changes the regulations to require that the preservation 
    procedures and holding times specified in Method 100.2 apply to all 
    compliance analyses of asbestos.
        The regulations (40 CFR 141.23(k)(2)) incorrectly list ``nitrate'' 
    as the analyte of concern in two types of samples: chlorinated drinking 
    water and unchlorinated drinking water to which sulfuric acid 
    (H2SO4) has been added as a preservative (see 
    table 1). The correct analyte of concern in both cases is ``total 
    nitrate.'' The preservation procedures and holding times for both 
    entries are also incorrect. Today's rule combines the nitrate entries 
    into one entry for total nitrate, adds an entry for nitrate-only 
    determinations, and specifies correct preservation procedures and 
    sample holding times for nitrate and total nitrate.
        The corrected preservation procedures and holding time for nitrate-
    only and total nitrate determinations are listed below in table 2 and 
    in the regulations of today's rule at 40 CFR 141.23(k)(2). Nitrate and 
    nitrite samples may be held up to 48 hours if kept at 4 deg.C or less. 
    These criteria are identical to those specified for wastewater samples 
    at 40 CFR 136.3(e) and in EPA Method 300.0, which is EPA's most 
    recently developed compliance method for nitrate, nitrite and total 
    nitrate. Total nitrate samples may be held up to 28 days if the sample 
    is acidified. These criteria are identical to the criteria in Method 
    300.0 but differ from criteria specified in Table II at 40 CFR 136.3(e) 
    in that acidified wastewater samples must be kept at 4 deg.C or less. 
    Because holding time data developed for the currently approved version 
    of EPA Method 300.0 (Rev. 2.1, August 1993) showed acidified drinking 
    water samples to be stable for 28-days when held at ambient 
    temperature, EPA will no longer require chilling of acidified samples 
    collected for determination of total nitrate (nitrate-nitrite) in 
    drinking water. When it is determined that data developed with Method 
    300.0 on drinking water samples is applicable to samples with 
    biological activity typical of wastewater samples, EPA may amend the 
    wastewater regulations to remove the requirement to chill acidified 
    samples.
        Today's rule also adds a footnote to the table at 40 CFR 
    141.23(k)(2) to explain that analysis of samples disinfected with an 
    oxidant (such as free chlorine, chlorine dioxide or ozone) or in 
    acidified samples can only provide a total nitrate result (footnote 4 
    in table 2). Nitrate cannot be measured separately
    
    [[Page 47104]]
    
    from nitrite in these samples because the acid and most disinfectants 
    will oxidize nitrite to nitrate. Nitrate may only be measured separate 
    from nitrite in samples that have not been acidified and that have not 
    been disinfected or only disinfected with a minimal oxidant, such as 
    chloramine.
    
                         Table 1.--Current Preservation and Holding Times at 40 CFR 141.23(k)(2)                    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Contaminant                   Preservative \1\            Container \2\               Time \3\       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Asbestos.........................  Cool, 4 deg.C..............  P or G.................  .......................
    Nitrate:                             .........................    .....................                         
        Chlorinated..................  Cool, 4 deg.C..............  P or G.................  28 days.               
        Non-chlorinated..............  Conc H2SO4 to pH <2........ p="" or="" g.................="" 14="" days.="" nitrite..........................="" cool,="" 4="" deg.c..............="" p="" or="" g.................="" 48="" hours.="" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------="" \1\="" p="plastic," hard="" or="" soft;="" g="glass," hard="" or="" soft.="" \2\="" in="" all="" cases="" samples="" should="" be="" analyzed="" as="" soon="" after="" collection="" as="" possible.="" \3\="" see="" method(s)="" for="" the="" information="" for="" preservation.="" table="" 2.--corrected="" preservation="" and="" holding="" times="" at="" 40="" cfr="" 141.23(k)(2)="" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------="" contaminant="" preservative\1\="" container\2\="" time\3\="" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------="" asbestos.........................="" 4="" deg.c....................="" p="" or="" g.................="" 48="" hours.\6\="" nitrate\4\.......................="" 4="" deg.c....................="" p="" or="" g.................="" 48="" hours.="" nitrate-nitrite\5\...............="">2SO4......................  P or G.................  28 days.               
    Nitrite\4\.......................  4 deg.C....................  P or G.................  48 hours.              
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ When indicated, samples must be acidified at the time of collection to pH < 2="" with="" concentrated="" acid.="" when="" chilling="" is="" indicated="" the="" sample="" must="" be="" shipped="" and="" stored="" at="" 4="" deg.c="" or="" less.="" \2\="" p="plastic," hard="" or="" soft;="" g="glass," hard="" or="" soft.="" \3\="" in="" all="" cases="" samples="" should="" be="" analyzed="" as="" soon="" after="" collection="" as="" possible.="" follow="" additional="" (if="" any)="" information="" on="" preservation,="" containers="" or="" holding="" times="" that="" is="" specified="" in="" method.="" \4\="" nitrate="" may="" only="" be="" measured="" separate="" from="" nitrite="" in="" samples="" that="" have="" not="" been="" acidified="" and="" that="" have="" not="" been="" disinfected="" or="" only="" disinfected="" with="" a="" minimal="" oxidant,="" such="" as="" chloramine.="" measurement="" of="" acidified="" samples="" or="" waters="" disinfected="" with="" free="" chlorine,="" chlorine="" dioxide="" or="" ozone="" provides="" a="" total="" nitrate="" (sum="" of="" nitrate="" plus="" nitrite)="" concentration.="" \5\="" nitrate-nitrite="" refers="" to="" a="" measurement="" of="" total="" nitrate.="" acidification="" is="" not="" required="" if="" total="" nitrate="" is="" determined="" within="" 48="" hours="" in="" a="" sample="" held="" at="" 4="" deg.c="" or="" less.="" however,="" acidification="" is="" required="" if="" a="" sample="" is="" to="" be="" held="" for="" longer="" than="" 48="" hours="" because="" the="" disinfectant="" residual="" may="" not="" be="" maintained.="" \6\="" instructions="" for="" containers,="" preservation="" procedures="" and="" holding="" times="" as="" specified="" in="" method="" 100.2="" must="" be="" adhered="" to="" for="" all="" compliance="" analyses="" including="" those="" conducted="" with="" method="" 100.1.="" analysis="" of="" acid="" herbicides="" the="" herbicide,="" 2,4-d,="" is="" applied="" as="" an="" ester="" form="" and="" not="" as="" the="" acid,="" 2,4-dichlorophenoxy="" acetic="" acid.="" the="" mcl="" for="" 2,4-d="" is="" listed="" in="" a="" table="" at="" 40="" cfr="" 141.61(c)="" with="" the="" cas="" number,="" 94-75-7.="" this="" cas="" number="" is="" assigned="" to="" the="" ester,="" acid="" and="" salt="" forms="" of="" 2,4-d.="" to="" clarify="" what="" is="" being="" regulated="" and="" analyzed,="" today's="" rule="" changes="" the="" description="" of="" the="" contaminant="" in="" the="" table="" of="" approved="" methods="" at="" 40="" cfr="" 141.24(e)="" from="" ``2,4-d''="" to="" ``2,4-d="" as="" acid,="" salts="" and="" esters''.="" today's="" rule="" also="" clarifies="" in="" the="" footnotes="" to="" this="" table="" that="" ``accurate="" determination="" of="" the="" chlorinated="" esters''="" of="" 2,4-d="" and="" other="" regulated="" acid="" herbicides="" ``requires="" hydrolysis="" of="" the="" sample="" as="" described="" in="" methods="" 515.1,="" 515.2="" and="" 555.''="" d.="" recommendation="" for="" additional="" methods="" for="" chloride="" and="" sulfate="" in="" view="" of="" the="" fact="" that="" national="" secondary="" drinking="" water="" regulations="" are="" not="" federally="" enforceable,="" epa="" only="" recommends="" analytical="" methods="" for="" monitoring="" of="" secondary="" contaminants.="" these="" methods="" are="" recommended="" at="" 40="" cfr="" 143.4(b).="" epa="" is="" aware="" that="" some="" states="" exercise="" their="" prerogative="" to="" disallow="" use="" of="" any="" method="" that="" is="" not="" listed="" at="" 40="" cfr="" 143.4(b).="" epa="" is="" also="" aware="" that="" titrimetric="" methods="" for="" chloride="" and="" turbidimetric="" methods="" for="" sulfate="" monitoring="" are="" specified="" for="" wastewater="" monitoring="" at="" 40="" cfr="" 136.3="" but="" not="" for="" drinking="" water="" at="" 40="" cfr="" 143.4(b).="" this="" discrepancy="" in="" approval="" can="" increase="" analytical="" costs="" by="" requiring="" a="" laboratory="" to="" set="" up="" and="" support="" different="" analytical="" methods="" for="" the="" same="" contaminant.="" because="" epa="" seeks="" to="" eliminate="" unnecessary="" hardships,="" epa="" reexamined="" the="" available="" methods="" for="" secondary="" monitoring="" of="" sulfate="" and="" chloride="" and="" compared="" them="" to="" those="" proposed="" (60="" fr="" 53988,="" october="" 18,="" 1995)="" or="" approved="" at="" 40="" cfr="" 136.3="" (table="" 1b).="" based="" on="" this="" evaluation,="" today's="" rule="" recommends="" additional="" methods="" for="" chloride="" and="" sulfate="" monitoring.="" today's="" rule="" recommends="" the="" silver="" nitrate="" titrimetric="" methods="" sm="" 4500-cl-b="" and="" astm="" d="" 512-89b="" for="" secondary="" monitoring="" of="" chloride.="" epa="" is="" not="" recommending="" any="" titrimetric="" methods="" for="" chloride="" that="" use="" mercuric="" nitrate="" for="" drinking="" water="" analysis="" because="" the="" method="" produces="" a="" mercury-containing="" waste="" that="" is="" considered="" ``hazardous''="" under="" the="" resource="" conservation="" recovery="" act="" (rcra).="" this="" action="" is="" consistent="" with="" epa's="" proposal="" on="" july="" 25,="" 1995="" to="" withdraw="" approval="" of="" mercuric="" nitrate="" methods="" for="" monitoring="" under="" rcra="" (60="" fr="" 37976).="" today's="" rule="" also="" recommends="" two="" turbidimetric="" methods,="" sm="" 4500-="">4E and ASTM D516-90, for secondary monitoring of sulfate. 
    Although the ASTM and Standard Method turbidimetric methods for sulfate 
    are similar to EPA Method 375.4, EPA has not and will not recommend the 
    EPA method because EPA Method 375.4 is outdated relative to D516-90 and 
    SM4500-SO4E. Although recommending turbidimetric methods for 
    sulfate at Sec. 143.4(b) results in approval of these methods for 
    unregulated contaminant monitoring at Sec. 141.40(n)(12), this does not 
    require the Agency to adopt these methods in future rulemakings (if 
    any) on sulfate.
    
    E. Performance-based Measurement System
    
        On October 6, 1997, EPA published a Notice of the Agency's intent 
    to implement a Performance Based
    
    [[Page 47105]]
    
    Measurement System (PBMS) in all of its programs to the extent feasible 
    (62 FR 52098). The Agency is currently determining the specific steps 
    necessary to implement PBMS in its programs and preparing an 
    implementation plan. Final decisions have not yet been made concerning 
    the implementation of PBMS in water programs. However, EPA is currently 
    evaluating what relevant performance characteristics should be 
    specified for monitoring methods used in the water programs under a 
    PBMS approach to ensure adequate data quality. EPA would then specify 
    performance requirements in its regulations to ensure that any method 
    used for determination of a regulated analyte is at least equivalent to 
    the performance achieved by other currently approved methods. Our 
    expectation is that EPA will publish its PBMS implementation strategy 
    for water programs in the Federal Register by the end of calendar year 
    1998.
        Once EPA has made its final determinations regarding implementation 
    of PBMS in programs under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA would 
    incorporate specific provisions of PBMS into its regulations, which may 
    include specification of the performance characteristics for 
    measurement of regulated contaminants in the drinking water program 
    regulations.
    
    IV. Regulation Assessment Requirements
    
    A. Executive Order 12866
    
        Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735; October 4, 1993), the 
    Agency must determine whether the regulatory action is ``significant'' 
    and therefore subject to OMB review and the requirements of the 
    Executive Order. The Order defines ``significant regulatory action'' as 
    one that is likely to result in a rule that may:
        (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, 
    or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
    economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
    health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or 
    communities;
        (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
    action taken or planned by another agency;
        (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
    user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
    thereof; or
        (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
    mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
    the Executive Order.
        It has been determined that this rule is not a ``significant 
    regulatory action'' under the terms of Executive Order 12866 and is 
    therefore not subject to OMB review.
    
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), EPA generally is 
    required to conduct a regulatory flexibility analysis describing the 
    impact of the regulatory action on small entities as part of 
    rulemaking. However, under section 605(b) of the RFA, if EPA certifies 
    that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
    substantial number of small entities, EPA is not required to prepare a 
    regulatory flexibility analysis. Pursuant to section 605(b) of the 
    Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 605(b), the Administrator 
    certifies that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on 
    a substantial number of small entities.
        The rule approves new versions of currently approved EPA Methods, 
    ASTM Methods and Standard Methods for compliance with drinking water 
    standards and monitoring requirements and is making minor technical 
    corrections or amendments. Previous versions of these ASTM and Standard 
    Methods will not be withdrawn, public water systems and laboratories 
    performing analyses on behalf of these systems may continue to use them 
    after the promulgation of today's rule. Previous versions of EPA 
    Methods, however, will be withdrawn after 18 months, but this delayed 
    effective date should provide ample time for the changeover. The 
    incremental change in cost associated with the use of the new versions 
    of EPA methods will be very minor because the new versions contain only 
    technical enhancements and editorial improvements.
    
    C. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    
        Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Pub.L. 
    104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
    effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
    governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, EPA 
    generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-benefit 
    analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal mandates'' that 
    may result in expenditures to State, local, and tribal governments, in 
    the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 million or more in any 
    one year. Before promulgating an EPA rule for which a written statement 
    is needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires EPA to identify 
    and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and adopt 
    the least costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative 
    that achieves the objectives of the rule. The provisions of section 205 
    do not apply when they are inconsistent with applicable law. Moreover, 
    section 205 allows EPA to adopt an alternative other than the least 
    costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative if the 
    Administrator publishes with the final rule an explanation why that 
    alternative was not adopted. Before EPA establishes any regulatory 
    requirements that may significantly or uniquely affect small 
    governments, including tribal governments, it must have developed under 
    section 203 of the UMRA a small government agency plan. The plan must 
    provide for notifying potentially affected small governments, enabling 
    officials of affected small governments to have meaningful and timely 
    input in the development of EPA regulatory proposals with significant 
    Federal intergovernmental mandates, and informing, educating, and 
    advising small governments on compliance with the regulatory 
    requirements.
        EPA has determined that this rule does not contain any Federal 
    mandate that may result in expenditures of $100 million or more for 
    State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or the private 
    sector in any one year. Thus, today's rule is not subject to the 
    requirements of section 202 and 205 of the UMRA. Today's rule approves 
    use of additional analytical methods by laboratories conducting 
    analysis for contaminants in drinking water and thus provides 
    operational flexibility to laboratory analyst. Although, the rule 
    withdraws earlier versions of some methods, and provides for amendments 
    to change Performance Evaluation sample composition and requires yearly 
    analysis of PE samples, EPA anticipates no increase in expenditure or 
    burden on the testing laboratories, and thus, no increase in 
    expenditure or burden on the laboratories' client public water systems. 
    For example, the differences between the replacement methods and the 
    withdrawn methods are very minor. In fact, the newer versions are 
    easier to use. The cost of the PE program should decrease because the 
    testing laboratories have to analyze for fewer analytes. Requiring PE 
    sample analysis once a year will not adversely affect the testing 
    laboratories because all states that conduct laboratory certification 
    programs currently require yearly PE sample analysis.
        In view of the fact that today's rule provides regulatory relief in 
    the form of increased operational flexibility to laboratory analysts, 
    and thus relief to laboratories' client public water
    
    [[Page 47106]]
    
    systems, EPA has determined that this rule contains no regulatory 
    requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small 
    governments. Therefore, today's rule is not subject to section 203 of 
    UMRA.
    
    D. Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 
    3501 et seq., EPA must submit an information collection request 
    covering information collection requirements in a rule to the Office of 
    Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This rule contains 
    no collection requirements. Therefore, preparation of an information 
    collection request to accompany this rule is unnecessary.
    
    E. Science Advisory Board and National Drinking Water Advisory Council, 
    and Secretary of Health and Human Services
    
        In accordance with Section 1412 (d) and (e) of the SDWA, the Agency 
    submitted this proposal to the Science Advisory Board, the National 
    Drinking Water Advisory Council, and the Secretary of Health and Human 
    Services for their review. They had no comments.
    
    F. Submission to Congress and the General Accounting Office
    
        The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the 
    Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally 
    provides that before rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the 
    rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to 
    each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United 
    States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other 
    requirement information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
    Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior 
    to publication of the rule in the Federal Resigter. This action is not 
    a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). This rule will be 
    effective January 4, 1999.
    
    G. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
    
        Under section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and 
    Advancement Act, the Agency is directed to use voluntary consensus 
    standards in its regulatory activities unless to do so would be 
    inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary 
    consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., material 
    specifications, test methods, sampling procedures, business practices, 
    etc.) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standard 
    bodies. Where available and potentially applicable voluntary consensus 
    standards are not used by EPA, the Act requires the Agency to provide 
    Congress, through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), an 
    explanation for the reasons for not using such standards.
        In this rulemaking EPA is approving new versions of ASTM and 
    Standard Methods for many regulated drinking water contaminants. ASTM 
    and SM are both voluntary consensus standard bodies responsible for 
    promoting adoption of uniform and efficient methods for analysis. EPA 
    recognizes that other consensus methods may also be available for the 
    contaminants covered by this rule. In order to expedite publication of 
    this rule EPA has chosen not to perform an exhaustive search for other 
    consensus methods at this time. EPA plans to address the availability 
    of other voluntary consensus methods for these analytes in subsequent 
    rules.
    
    H. Executive Order 13045--Protection of Children From Environmental 
    Health Risks and Safety Risks
    
        Today's action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 [62 FR 19885 
    (April 23, 1997)], which requires agencies to identify and assess the 
    environmental health and safety risks of their rules on children. 
    Pursuant to the definitions in section 2-202, Executive Order 13045 
    only applies to rules that are economically significant as defined 
    under Executive Order 12886 and concern an environmental health or 
    safety risk that may disproportionately affect children. This rule is 
    not economically significant and does not concern a risk 
    disproportionately affecting children.
    
    V. References
    
        APHA 1992. Eighteenth edition of Standard Methods for the 
    Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1992, American Public Health 
    Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005.
        APHA 1995. Nineteenth edition of Standard Methods for the 
    Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1995, American Public Health 
    Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005.
        ASTM 1994. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, 1994, Vol. 11.01 and 
    11.02, American Society for Testing and Materials, 101 Barr Harbor 
    Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.
        ASTM 1996. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, 1996, Vol. 11.01 and 
    11.02, American Society for Testing and Materials, 101 Barr Harbor 
    Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.
        AWWA 1996. ``Standard Methods--A Closer Look'', Posavec, Steve, 
    in Opflow, Vol. 22, No.2, February 1996, American Water Works 
    Association, 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235.
        EPA 1990a. ``Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds 
    in Drinking Water--Supplement I'', July 1990, NTIS PB91-146027.
        EPA 1991. ``Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds 
    in Drinking Water'', December 1988, revised July 1991, NTIS PB91-
    231480.
        EPA 1992. ``Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds 
    in Drinking Water--Supplement II,'' August 1992, NTIS PB92-207703.
        EPA 1993. ``Methods for the Determination of Inorganic 
    Substances in Environmental Samples'', August 1993, NTIS PB94-
    120821.
        EPA 1994. ``Methods for the Determination of Metals in 
    Environmental Samples--Supplement I'', May 1994, NTIS PB95-125472.
        EPA 1994b. Technical Notes on Drinking Water Methods, EPA-600/R-
    94-173, October 1994, NTIS PB95-104766.
        EPA 1995. ``Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds 
    in Drinking Water--Supplement III,'' EPA-600/R-95-131, August 1995, 
    NTIS PB95-261616.
        EPA 1997. Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing 
    Drinking Water, Fourth Edition, Office of Water Resource Center (RC-
    4100), 401 M. Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20460, EPA 81-B-97-001, 
    March 1997.
        NY 1996. Suffolk County Water Authority 1996. Data Package 
    pertaining to EPA Method 508.1 and the use of a NP detector. Suffolk 
    County Water Authority Laboratory 260 Motor Parkway, P.O. Box 18043, 
    Hauppauge, New York 11788-8843.
        USGS 1989. Methods I-3720-85, I-3300-85, I-1030-85, I-1601-85, 
    I-2598-85, I-1700-85 and I-2700-85 in Techniques of Water Resources 
    Investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey, Book 5, Chapter A-1, 
    3rd ed., 1989, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Information Services, 
    Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225-0425.
        USGS 1993. Method I-2601-90 in Methods of Analysis by the U.S. 
    Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory--Determination 
    of Inorganic and Organic Constituents in Water and Fluvial 
    Sediments, Open File Report 93-125, 1993, U.S. Geological Survey 
    (USGS) Information Services, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, CO 
    80225-0425.
    
    List of Subjects
    
    40 CFR Part 141
    
        Environmental protection, Analytical methods, Chemicals, 
    Incorporation by reference, Indians-lands, Intergovernmental relations, 
    Radiation protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Water 
    supply.
    
    40 CFR Part 143
    
        Environmental protection, Analytical methods, Chemicals, 
    Incorporation by reference, Indians-lands, Water supply.
    
    
    [[Page 47107]]
    
    
        Dated: July 23, 1998.
    Carol M. Browner,
    Administrator.
        For the reasons set out in the preamble, parts 141 and 143 of title 
    40, Code of Federal Regulations, are amended as follows:
    
    PART 141--NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS
    
        1. The authority citation for part 141 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 300g, 300g-1, 300g-2, 300g-3, 300g-4, 300g-
    5, 300g-6, 300j-4, and 300j-9.
    
        2. Section 141.21 is amended by revising paragraph (f)(3), revising 
    the next to last sentence of paragraph (f)(5), revising the second 
    sentence of paragraph (f)(6)(i), revising the second sentence of 
    paragraph (f)(6)(ii), and revising the second sentence of paragraph 
    (f)(8) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 141.21  Coliform sampling.
    
    * * * * *
        (f) * * *
        (3) Public water systems must conduct total coliform analyses in 
    accordance with one of the analytical methods in the following table:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Organism                                Methodology                          Citation 1          
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Coliforms: 2                      Total Coliform Fermentation Technique     9221A, B.                     
                                             3,4,5.                                                                 
                                            Total Coliform Membrane Filter Technique  9222A, B, C.                  
                                            Presence-Absence (P-A) Coliform Test 5,6  9221D                         
                                            ONPG-MUG Test 7.........................  9223.                         
                                            Colisure Test 8 ........................                                
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1 Methods 9221A, B, 9222A,B,C, 9221D and 9223 are contained in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
      Wastewater, 18th edition, 1992 and 19th edition, 1995, American Public Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth     
      Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005; either edition may be used.                                                
    2 The time from sample collection to initiation of analysis may not exceed 30 hours. Systems are encouraged but 
      not required to hold samples below 10 deg.C during transit.                                                   
    3 Lactose broth, as commercially available, may be used in lieu of lauryl tryptose broth, if the system conducts
      at least 25 parallel tests between this medium and lauryl tryptose broth using the water normally tested, and 
      this comparison demonstrates that the false-positive rate and false-negative rate for total coliforms, using  
      lactose broth, is less than 10 percent.                                                                       
    4 If inverted tubes are used to detect gas production, the media should cover these tubes at least one-half to  
      two-thirds after the sample is added.                                                                         
    5 No requirement exists to run the completed phase on 10 percent of all total coliform-positive confirmed tubes.
                                                                                                                    
    6 Six-times formulation strength may be used if the medium is filter-sterilized rather than autoclaved.         
    7 The ONPG-MUG Test is also known as the Autoanalysis Colilert System. A source for this test is referenced at  
      paragraph (f)(5)(iii) of this section.                                                                        
    8 The Colisure Test must be incubated for 28 hours before examining the results. If an examination of the       
      results at 28 hours is not convenient, then results may be examined at any time between 28 hours and 48 hours.
      A description of the Colisure Test may be obtained from the Millipore Corporation, Technical Services         
      Department, 80 Ashby Road, Bedford, MA 01730. The toll-free phone number is (800) 645-5476.                   
    
    * * * * *
        (5) * * * The preparation of EC medium is described in Method 9221E 
    (paragraph 1a) in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and 
    Wastewater, 18th edition, 1992 and in the 19th edition, 1995; either 
    edition may be used. * * *
        (6) * * *
        (i) * * * EC medium is described in Method 9221E as referenced in 
    paragraph (f)(5) of this section. * * *
        (ii) * * * Nutrient Agar is described in Method 9221B (paragraph 3) 
    in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 18th 
    edition, 1992 and in the 19th edition, 1995; either edition may be 
    used. * * *
    * * * * *
        (8) * * * Copies of the analytical methods cited in Standard 
    Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (18th and 19th 
    editions) may be obtained from the American Public Health Association 
    et al.; 1015 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005. * * *
    * * * * *
        3. Section 141.23 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(4)(iii), 
    (k)(2) including the table, (k)(3)(i), (k)(3)(ii) introductory text, 
    and revising the table and footnotes in paragraph (k)(1) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 141.23  Inorganic chemical sampling and analytical requirements.
    
    * * * * *
        (a) * * *
        (4) * * *
        (iii) If duplicates of the original sample taken from each sampling 
    point used in the composite sample are available, the system may use 
    these instead of resampling. The duplicates must be analyzed and the 
    results reported to the State within 14 days after completion of the 
    composite analysis or before the holding time of the initial sample is 
    exceeded whichever is sooner.
    * * * * *
        (k) * * *
        (1) * * *
    
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Contaminant                Methodology \13\          EPA              ASTM \3\                      SM \4\                       Other          
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Antimony...................  ICP-Mass Spectrometry......  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
                                 Hydride-Atomic Absorption..  ........  D-3697-92                                                                           
                                 Atomic Absorption; Platform  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     9                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Furnace.  ........  ...........................  3113B                                                  
    Arsenic \14\...............  Inductively Coupled Plasma.  \2\ 200.  ...........................  3120B                                                  
                                                                     7                                                                                      
                                 ICP-Mass Spectrometry......  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Platform  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     9                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Furnace.  ........  D-2972-93C                   3113B                                                  
                                 Hydride Atomic Absorption..  ........  D-2972-93B                   3114B                                                  
    Asbestos...................  Transmission Electron        \9\ 100.                                                                                      
                                  Microscopy.                        1                                                                                      
                                 Transmission Electron        \10\ 100                                                                                      
                                  Microscopy.                       .2                                                                                      
    Barium.....................  Inductively Coupled Plasma.  \2\ 200.  ...........................  3120B                                                  
                                                                     7                                                                                      
                                 ICP-Mass Spectrometry......  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
    
    [[Page 47108]]
    
                                                                                                                                                            
                                 Atomic Absorption; Direct..  ........  ...........................  3111D                                                  
                                 Atomic Absorption; Furnace.  ........  ...........................  3113B                                                  
    Beryllium..................  Inductively Coupled Plasma.  \2\ 200.  ...........................  3120B                                                  
                                                                     7                                                                                      
                                 ICP-Mass Spectrometry......  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Platform  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     9                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Furnace.  ........  D-3645-93B                   3113B                                                  
    Cadmium....................  Inductively Coupled Plasma.  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     7                                                                                      
                                 ICP-Mass Spectrometry......  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Platform  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     9                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Furnace.  ........  ...........................  3113B                                                  
    Chromium...................  Inductively Coupled Plasma.  \2\ 200.  ...........................  3120B                                                  
                                                                     7                                                                                      
                                 ICP-Mass Spectrometry......  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Platform  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     9                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Furnace.  ........  ...........................  3113B                                                  
    Cyanide....................  Manual Distillation          ........  D2036-91A                    4500-CN-C                                              
                                  followed by.                                                                                                              
                                 Spectrophotometric,          ........  D2036-91B                    4500CN-G                                               
                                  Amenable.                                                                                                                 
                                 Spectrophotometric:                                                                                                        
                                   Manual                     ........  D2036-91A                    4500-CN-E                    \5\ I-3300-855            
                                   Semi-automated             \6\ 335.                                                                                      
                                                                     4                                                                                      
                                 Selective Electrode........  ........  ...........................  4500CN-F                                               
    Fluoride...................  Ion Chromatography.........  \6\ 300.  D4327-91                     4110B                                                  
                                                                     0                                                                                      
                                 Manual Distill.; Color.      ........  ...........................  4500F-B,D                                              
                                  SPADNS.                                                                                                                   
                                 Manual Electrode...........  ........  D1179-93B                    4500F-C                                                
                                 Automated Electrode........  ........  ...........................  ...........................  \11\ 380-75WE.            
                                 Automated Alizarin.........  ........  ...........................  4500F-E                      \11\ 129-71W.             
    Mercury....................  Manual, Cold Vapor.........  \2\ 245.  D3223-91                     3112B                                                  
                                                                     1                                                                                      
                                 Automated, Cold Vapor......  \1\ 245.                                                                                      
                                                                     2                                                                                      
                                 ICP-Mass Spectrometry......  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
    Nickel.....................  Inductively Coupled Plasma.  \2\ 200.  ...........................  3120B                                                  
                                                                     7                                                                                      
                                 ICP-Mass Spectrometry......  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Platform  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     9                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Direct..  ........  ...........................  3111B                                                  
                                 Atomic Absorption; Furnace.  ........  ...........................  3113B                                                  
    Nitrate....................  Ion Chromatography.........  \6\ 300.  D4327-91                     4110B                        \8\ B-1011.               
                                                                     0                                                                                      
                                 Automated Cadmium Reduction  \6\ 353.  D3867-90A                    4500-NO3-F                                             
                                                                     2                                                                                      
                                 Ion Selective Electrode....  ........  ...........................  4500-NO3-D                    \7\601.                  
                                 Manual Cadmium Reduction...  ........  D3867-90B                    4500-NO3-E                                             
    Nitrite....................  Ion Chromatography.........  \6\ 300.  D4327-91                     4110B                        \8\ B-1011.               
                                                                     0                                                                                      
                                 Automated Cadmium Reduction  \6\ 353.  D3867-90A                    4500-NO3-F                                             
                                                                     2                                                                                      
                                 Manual Cadmium Reduction...  ........  D3867-90B                    4500-NO3-E                                             
                                 Spectrophotometric.........  ........  ...........................  4500-NO3-B                                             
    Selenium...................  Hydride-Atomic Absorption..  ........  D3859-93A                    3114B                                                  
                                 ICP-Mass Spectrometry......  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Platform  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     9                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Furnace.  ........  D3859-93B                    3113B                                                  
    Thallium...................  ICP-Mass Spectrometry......  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; Platform  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     9                                                                                      
    Lead.......................  Atomic absorption; furnace.  ........  D3559-95D                    3113B                                                  
                                 ICP-Mass spectrometry......  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
                                 Atomic absorption; platform  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     9                                                                                      
    Copper.....................  Atomic absorption; furnace.  ........  D1688-95C                    3113B                                                  
                                 Atomic absorption; direct    ........  D1688-95A                    3111B                                                  
                                  aspiration.                                                                                                               
                                 ICP........................  \2\ 200.  ...........................  3120B                                                  
                                                                     7                                                                                      
                                 ICP--Mass spectrometry.....  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     8                                                                                      
                                 Atomic absorption; platform  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     9                                                                                      
    pH.........................  Electrometric..............  \1\ 150.  D1293-95                     4500-H+-B                                              
                                                                     1                                                                                      
                                 ...........................  \1\ 150.                                                                                      
                                                                    21                                                                                      
    Conductivity...............  Conductance................  ........  D1125-95A                    2510B                                                  
    Calcium....................  EDTA titrimetric...........  ........  D511-93A                     3500-Ca-D                                              
                                 Atomic absorption; direct    ........  D511-93B                     3111B                                                  
                                  aspiration.                                                                                                               
                                 Inductively-coupled plasma.  \2\ 200.  ...........................  3120B                                                  
                                                                     7                                                                                      
    Alkalinity.................  Titrimetric................  ........  D1067-92B                    2320B                                                  
                                 Electrometric titration....  ........  ...........................  ...........................  \5\ I-1030-85.            
    Ortho-phosphate \12\.......  Colorimetric, automated,     \6\ 365.  ...........................  4500-P-F                                               
                                  ascorbic acid.                     1                                                                                      
                                 Colorimetric, ascorbic       ........  D515-88A                     4500-P-E                                               
                                  acid, single reagent.                                                                                                     
                                 Colorimetric,                ........  ...........................  ...........................  \5\ I-1601-8.             
                                  phosphomolybdate;.                                                                                                        
                                 automated-segmented flow;..  ........  ...........................  ...........................  \5\ I-2601-90.            
                                 automated discrete.........  ........  ...........................  ...........................  \5\ I-2598-85.            
                                 Ion Chromatography.........  \5\ 300.  D4327-91                     4110B                                                  
                                                                     0                                                                                      
    Silica.....................  Colorimetric, molybdate      ........  ...........................  ...........................                            
                                  blue;.                                                                                                                    
                                 automated-segmented flow...  ........  ...........................  ...........................  \5\ I-1700-85.            
                                 Colorimetric...............  ........  ...........................  D859-94                      \5\ I-2700-85.            
                                 Molybdosilicate............  ........  ...........................  4500-Si-D                                              
    
    [[Page 47109]]
    
                                                                                                                                                            
                                 Heteropoly blue............  ........  ...........................  4500-Si-E                                              
                                 Automated method for         ........  ...........................  4500-Si-F                                              
                                  molybdate-reactive silica.                                                                                                
                                 Inductively-coupled plasma.  \2\ 200.  ...........................  3120B                                                  
                                                                     7                                                                                      
    Temperature................  Thermometric...............  ........  ...........................  2550                                                   
    Sodium.....................  Inductively-coupled plasma.  \2\ 200.                                                                                      
                                                                     7                                                                                      
                                 Atomic Absorption; direct    ........  ...........................  3111B                                                  
                                  aspiration.                                                                                                               
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The procedures shall be done in accordance with the documents listed below. The incorporation by reference of the following documents was approved by   
      the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of the documents may be obtained from the sources   
      listed below. Information regarding obtaining these documents can be obtained from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791. Documents may be  
      inspected at EPA's Drinking Water Docket, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460 (Telephone: 202-260-3027); or at the Office of Federal Register, 800
      North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.                                                                                                 
    \1\ ``Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes'', EPA-600/4-79-020, March 1983. Available at NTIS, PB84-128677.                                
    \2\ ``Methods for the Determination of Metals in Environmental Samples--Supplement I'', EPA-600/R-94-111, May 1994. Available at NTIS, PB 95-125472.    
    \3\ Annual Book of ASTM Standards, 1994 and 1996, Vols. 11.01 and 11.02, American Society for Testing and Materials. The previous versions of D1688-95A,
      D1688-95C (copper), D3559-95D (lead), D1293-95 (pH), D1125-91A (conductivity) and D859-94 (silica) are also approved. These previous versions D1688-  
      90A,C; D3559-90D, D1293-84, D1125-91A and D859-88, respectively are located in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, 1994, Vols. 11.01. Copies may be    
      obtained from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 101 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.                                     
    \4\ 18th and 19th editions of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1992 and 1995, respectively, American Public Health         
      Association; either edition may be used. Copies may be obtained from the American Public Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 
      20005.                                                                                                                                                
    \5\ Method I-2601-90, Methods for Analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory--Determination of Inorganic and Organic      
      Constituents in Water and Fluvial Sediments, Open File Report 93-125, 1993; For all other Methods See Techniques of Water Resources Investigation of  
      the U.S. Geological Survey, Book 5, Chapter A-1, 3rd ed., 1989, Methods I-1030; I-1601-85; I-1700-85; I-2598-85; I-2700-85; and I-3300-85; Available  
      from Information Services, U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Center, Box 25286, Denver, CO 80225-0425.                                                  
    \6\ ``Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Environmental Samples'', EPA-600/R-93-100, August 1993. Available at NTIS, PB94-120821.  
    \7\ The procedure shall be done in accordance with the Technical Bulletin 601 ``Standard Method of Test for Nitrate in Drinking Water'', July 1994, PN  
      221890-001, Analytical Technology, Inc. Copies may be obtained from ATI Orion, 529 Main Street, Boston, MA 02129.                                     
    \8\ Method B-1011, ``Waters Test Method for Determination of Nitrite/Nitrate in Water Using Single Column Ion Chromatography August 1987''. Copies may  
      be obtained from Waters Corporation, Technical Services Division, 34 Maple Street, Milford, MA 01757.                                                 
    \9\ Method 100.1, ``Analytical Method For Determination of Asbestos Fibers in Water'', EPA-600/4-83-043, EPA, September 1983. Available at NTIS, PB83-  
      260471.                                                                                                                                               
    \10\ Method 100.2, ``Determination Of Asbestos Structure Over 10-m In Length In Drinking Water'', EPA-600/R-94-134, June 1994. Available at    
      NTIS, PB84-201902.                                                                                                                                    
    \11\ Industrial Method No. 129-71W, ``Fluoride in Water and Wastewater'', December 1972, and Method No. 380-75WE, ``Fluoride in Water and Wastewater'', 
      February 1976, Technicon Industrial Systems. Copies may be obtained from Bran & Luebbe, 1025 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.                  
    \12\ Unfiltered, no digestion or hydrolysis.                                                                                                            
    \13\ Because MDLs reported in EPA Methods 200.7 and 200.9 were determined using a 2X preconcentration step during sample digestion, MDLs determined when
      samples are analyzed by direct analysis (i.e., no sample digestion) will be higher. For direct analysis of cadmium and arsenic by Method 200.7, and   
      arsenic by Method 3120 sample preconcentration using pneumatic nebulization may be required to achieve lower detection limits. Preconcentration may   
      also be required for direct analysis of antimony, lead, and thallium by Method 200.9; antimony and lead by Method 3113B; and lead by Method D3559-90D 
      unless multiple in-furnace depositions are made.                                                                                                      
    \14\ If ultrasonic nebulization is used in the determination of arsenic by Methods 200.7, 200.8, or SM 3120, the arsenic must be in the pentavalent     
      state to provide uniform signal response. For methods 200.7 and 3120, both samples and standards must be diluted in the same mixed acid matrix        
      concentration of nitric and hydrochloric acid with the addition of 100 L of 30% hydrogen peroxide per 100ml of solution. For direct analysis 
      of arsenic with method 200.8 using ultrasonic nebulization, samples and standards must contain one mg/L of sodium hypochlorite.                       
    
        (2) Sample collection for antimony, asbestos, barium, beryllium, 
    cadmium, chromium, cyanide, fluoride, mercury, nickel, nitrate, 
    nitrite, selenium, and thallium under this section shall be conducted 
    using the sample preservation, container, and maximum holding time 
    procedures specified in the following table:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Contaminant                   Preservative \1\             Container \2\              Time \3\      
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Antimony...........................  HNO3                        P or G                     6 months.           
    Asbestos...........................  4 deg.C                     P or G                     48 hours.\6\        
    Barium.............................  HNO3                        P or G                     6 months.           
    Beryllium..........................  HNO3                        P or G                     6 months.           
    Cadmium............................  HNO3                        P or G                     6 months.           
    Chromium...........................  HNO3                        P or G                     6 months.           
    Cyanide............................  4 deg.C, NaOH               P or G                     14 days.            
    Fluoride...........................  None                        P or G                     1 month.            
    Mercury............................  HNO3                        P or G                     28 days.            
    Nickel.............................  HNO3                        P or G                     6 months.           
    Nitrate \4\........................  4 deg.C                     P or G                     48 hours.           
    Nitrate-Nitrite \5\................  H2SO4                       P or G                     28 days.            
    Nitrite \4\........................  4 deg.C                     P or G                     48 hours.           
    Selenium...........................  HNO3                        P or G                     6 months.           
    Thallium...........................  HNO3                        P or G                     6 months.           
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ When indicated, samples must be acidified at the time of collection to pH < 2="" with="" concentrated="" acid="" or="" adjusted="" with="" sodium="" hydroxide="" to="" ph=""> 12. When chilling is indicated the sample must be shipped and stored at
      4 deg.C or less.                                                                                              
    \2\ P=plastic, hard or soft; G=glass, hard or soft.                                                             
    \3\ In all cases samples should be analyzed as soon after collection as possible. Follow additional (if any)    
      information on preservation, containers or holding times that is specified in method.                         
    
    [[Page 47110]]
    
                                                                                                                    
    \4\ Nitrate may only be measured separate from nitrite in samples that have not been acidified and that have not
      been disinfected or only disinfected with a minimal oxidant, such as chloramine. Measurement of acidified     
      samples or waters disinfected with free chlorine, chlorine dioxide or ozone provides a total nitrate (sum of  
      nitrate plus nitrite) concentration.                                                                          
    \5\ Nitrate-Nitrite refers to a measurement of total nitrate. Acidification is not required if total nitrate is 
      determined within 48 hours in a sample held at 4 deg.C or less. However, acidification is required if a sample
      is to be held for longer than 48 hours because the disinfectant residual may not be maintained.               
    \6\ Instructions for containers, preservation procedures and holding times as specified in Method 100.2 must be 
      adhered to for all compliance analyses including those conducted with Method 100.1.                           
    
        (3) * * *
        (i) Analyze Performance Evaluation (PE) samples provided by EPA, 
    the State or by a third party (with the approval of the State or EPA) 
    at least once a year.
        (ii) For each contaminant that has been included in the PE sample 
    achieve quantitative results on the analyses that are within the 
    following acceptance limits:
    * * * * *
        4. Section 141.24 is amended by revising paragraph (e), revising 
    paragraphs (f)(14)(ii), (f)(17)(i)(A), (f)(17)(i)(B), (f)(17)(ii)(A), 
    (h)(10)(ii), (h)(13) introductory text, (h)(13)(i), (h)(19)(i)(A) and 
    (h)(19)(i)(B) introductory text to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 141.24  Organic chemicals other than total trihalomethanes, 
    sampling and analytical requirements.
    
    * * * * *
        (e) Analyses for the contaminants in this section shall be 
    conducted using the following EPA methods or their equivalent as 
    approved by EPA:
        (1) The following documents are incorporated by reference. This 
    incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal 
    Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies 
    may be inspected at EPA's Drinking Water Docket, 401 M Street, SW, 
    Washington, DC 20460; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
    North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC. Method 508A is in 
    Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water, 
    EPA-600/4-88-039, December 1988, Revised, July 1991. Methods 547, 550 
    and 550.1 are in Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds in 
    Drinking Water--Supplement I, EPA-600-4-90-020, July 1990. Methods 
    548.1, 549.1, 552.1 and 555 are in Methods for the Determination of 
    Organic Compounds in Drinking Water--Supplement II, EPA-600/R-92-129, 
    August 1992. Methods 502.2, 504.1, 505, 506, 507, 508, 508.1, 515.1, 
    515.2, 524.2 525.2, 531.1, 551.1 and 552.2 are in Methods for the 
    Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water--Supplement III, 
    EPA-600/R-95-131, August 1995. Method 1613 is titled ``Tetra-through 
    Octa-Chlorinated Dioxins and Furans by Isotope-Dilution HRGC/HRMS'', 
    EPA-821-B-94-005, October 1994. These documents are available from the 
    National Technical Information Service, NTIS PB91-231480, PB91-146027, 
    PB92-207703, PB95-261616 and PB95-104774, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
    5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, Virginia 22161. The toll-free number 
    is 800-553-6847. Method 6651 shall be followed in accordance with 
    Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 18th 
    edition, 1992 and 19th edition, 1995, American Public Health 
    Association (APHA); either edition may be used. Method 6610 shall be 
    followed in accordance with the Supplement to the 18th edition of 
    Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1994 or 
    with the 19th edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water 
    and Wastewater, 1995, APHA; either publication may be used. The APHA 
    documents are available from APHA, 1015 Fifteenth Street NW, 
    Washington, D.C. 20005. Other required analytical test procedures 
    germane to the conduct of these analyses are contained in Technical 
    Notes on Drinking Water Methods, EPA-600/R-94-173, October 1994, NTIS 
    PB95-104766, as follows:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Contaminant                                               Method \1\                           
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Benzene......................................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Carbon tetrachloride.........................  502.2, 524.2, 551.1.                                             
    Chlorobenzene................................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,2-Dichlorobenzene..........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,4-Dichlorobenzene..........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,2-Dichloroethane...........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    cis-Dichloroethylene.........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    trans-Dichloroethylene.......................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Dichloromethane..............................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,2-Dichloropropane..........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Ethylbenzene.................................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Styrene......................................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Tetrachloroethylene..........................  502.2, 524.2, 551.1.                                             
    1,1,1-Trichloroethane........................  502.2, 524.2, 551.1.                                             
    Trichloroethylene............................  502.2, 524.2, 551.1.                                             
    Toluene......................................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene.......................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,1-Dichloroethylene.........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,1,2-Trichloroethane........................  502.2, 524.2, 551.1.                                             
    Vinyl chloride...............................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Xylenes (total)..............................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    2,3,7,8-TCDD (dioxin)........................  1613.                                                            
    2,4-D \4\(as acid, salts and esters).........  515.2, 555, 515.1.                                               
    2,4,5-TP \4\ (Silvex)........................  515.2, 555, 515.1.                                               
    Alachlor \2\.................................  507, 525.2, 508.1, 505, 551.1.                                   
    Atrazine \2\.................................  507, 525.2, 508.1, 505, 551.1.                                   
    Benzo (a) pyrene.............................  525.2, 550, 550.1.                                               
    Carbofuran...................................  531.1, 6610.                                                     
    Chlordane....................................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Dalapon......................................  552.1, 515.1, 552.2.                                             
    
    [[Page 47111]]
    
                                                                                                                    
    Di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate......................  506, 525.2.                                                      
    Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate....................  506, 525.2.                                                      
    Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)..................  504.1, 551.1.                                                    
    Dinoseb \4\..................................  515.2, 555, 515.1.                                               
    Diquat.......................................  549.1.                                                           
    Endothall....................................  548.1.                                                           
    Endrin.......................................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505, 551.1.                                   
    Ethylene dibromide (EDB).....................  504.1, 551.1.                                                    
    Glyphosate...................................  547, 6651.                                                       
    Heptachlor...................................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505, 551.1.                                   
    Heptachlor Epoxide...........................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505, 551.1.                                   
    Hexachlorobenzene............................  508, 525.2, 508.l, 505, 551.1.                                   
    Hexachlorocyclopentadiene....................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505, 551.1.                                   
    Lindane......................................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505, 551.1.                                   
    Methoxychlor.................................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505, 551.1.                                   
    Oxamyl.......................................  531.1, 6610.                                                     
    PCBs \3\ (as decachlorobiphenyl).............  508A.                                                            
        (as Aroclors)............................  508.1, 508, 525.2, 505.                                          
    Pentachlorophenol............................  515.2, 525.2, 555, 515.1.                                        
    Picloram \4\.................................  515.2, 555, 515.1.                                               
    Simazine \2\.................................  507, 525.2, 508.1, 505, 551.1.                                   
    Toxaphene....................................  508, 508.1, 525.2, 505.                                          
    Total Trihalomethanes........................  502.2, 524.2, 551.1.                                             
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ For previously approved EPA methods which remain available for compliance monitoring until March 3, 2000,   
      see paragraph (e)(2) of this section.                                                                         
    \2\ Substitution of the detector specified in Method 505, 507, 508 or 508.1 for the purpose of achieving lower  
      detection limits is allowed as follows. Either an electron capture or nitrogen phosphorous detector may be    
      used provided all regulatory requirements and quality control criteria are met.                               
    \3\ PCBs are qualitatively identified as aroclors and measured for compliance purposes as decachlorobiphenyl.   
      Users of Method 505 may have more difficulty in achieving the required detection limits than users of Methods 
      508.1, 525.2 or 508.                                                                                          
    \4\ Accurate determination of the chlorinated esters requires hydrolysis of the sample as described in Methods  
      515.1, 515.2 and 555.                                                                                         
    
        (2) The following EPA methods will remain available for compliance 
    monitoring until March 3, 2000. The following documents are 
    incorporated by reference. This incorporation by reference was approved 
    by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
    552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be inspected at EPA's Drinking 
    Water Docket, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460; or at the Office 
    of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 700, 
    Washington, DC. EPA methods 502.2 Rev. 2.0, 505 Rev. 2.0, 507 Rev. 2.0, 
    508 Rev. 3.0, 515.1 Rev. 4.0, 531.1 Rev. 3.0 are in ``Methods for the 
    Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water'', December 1988, 
    revised July 1991; methods 506 and 551 are in ``Methods for the 
    Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water--Supplement I'', 
    July 1990; methods 515.2 Rev. 1.0 and 524.2 Rev. 4.0 are in ``Methods 
    for the Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water--
    Supplement II,'' August 1992; and methods 504.1 Rev. 1.0, 508.1 Rev. 
    1.0, 525.2 Rev. 1.0 are available from US EPA NERL, Cincinnati, OH 
    45268, as follows:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Contaminant                                               Method \1\                           
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Benzene......................................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Carbon tetrachloride.........................  502.2, 524.2, 551.                                               
    Chlorobenzene................................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,2-Dichlorobenzene..........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,4-Dichlorobenzene..........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,2-Dichloroethane...........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    cis-Dichloroethylene.........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    trans-Dichloroethylene.......................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Dichloromethane..............................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,2-Dichloropropane..........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Ethylbenzene.................................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Styrene......................................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Tetrachloroethylene..........................  502.2, 524.2, 551.                                               
    1,1,1-Trichloroethane........................  502.2, 524.2, 551.                                               
    Trichloroethylene............................  502.2, 524.2, 551.                                               
    Toluene......................................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene.......................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,1-Dichloroethylene.........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    1,1,2-Trichloroethane........................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Vinyl chloride...............................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    Xylenes (total)..............................  502.2, 524.2.                                                    
    2,4-D \4\(as acid, salts and esters).........  515.2.                                                           
    2,4,5-TP \4\ (Silvex)........................  515.2.                                                           
    Alachlor \2\.................................  507, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Atrazine \2\.................................  507, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Benzo(a)pyrene...............................  525.2.                                                           
    
    [[Page 47112]]
    
                                                                                                                    
    Carbofuran...................................  531.1.                                                           
    Chlordane....................................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Dalapon......................................  515.1.                                                           
    Di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate......................  506, 525.2.                                                      
    Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate....................  506, 525.2.                                                      
    Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)..................  504.1, 551.                                                      
    Dinoseb \4\..................................  515.2.                                                           
    Endrin.......................................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Ethylene dibromide (EDB).....................  504.1, 551.                                                      
    Heptachlor...................................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Heptachlor Epoxide...........................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Hexachlorobenzene............................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Hexachlorocyclopentadiene....................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Lindane......................................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Methoxychlor.................................  508, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Oxamyl.......................................  531.1.                                                           
    PCBs \3\ (as Aroclors).......................  508.1, 508, 525.2, 505.                                          
    Pentachlorophenol............................  515.2, 525.2, 515.1.                                             
    Picloram \4\.................................  515.2, 515.1.                                                    
    Simazine \2\.................................  507, 525.2, 508.1, 505.                                          
    Toxaphene....................................  508, 508.1, 525.2, 505.                                          
    Total Trihalomethanes........................  502.2, 524.2, 551.                                               
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ [Reserved].                                                                                                 
    \2\ Substitution of the detector specified in Method 505, 507, 508 or 508.1 for the purpose of achieving lower  
      detection limits is allowed as follows. Either an electron capture or nitrogen phosphorous detector may be    
      used provided all regulatory requirements and quality control criteria are met.                               
    \3\ PCBs are qualitatively identified as aroclors and measured for compliance purposes as decachlorobiphenyl.   
      Users of Method 505 may have more difficulty in achieving the required detection limits than users of Methods 
      508.1, 525.2 or 508.                                                                                          
    \4\ Accurate determination of the chlorinated esters requires hydrolysis of the sample as described in Methods  
      515.1 and 515.2.                                                                                              
    
        (f) * * *
        (14) * * *
        (ii) If duplicates of the original sample taken from each sampling 
    point used in the composite sample are available, the system may use 
    these instead of resampling. The duplicates must be analyzed and the 
    results reported to the State within 14 days after completion of the 
    composite analysis or before the holding time for the initial sample is 
    exceeded whichever is sooner.
    * * * * *
        (17) * * *
        (i) * * *
        (A) Analyze Performance Evaluation (PE) samples provided by EPA, 
    the State or by a third party (with the approval of the State or EPA) 
    at least once a year.
        (B) Achieve the quantitative acceptance limits under paragraphs 
    (f)(17)(i)(C) and (D) of this section for at least 80 percent of the 
    regulated organic contaminants included in the PE sample.
    * * * * *
        (ii) * * *
        (A) Analyze Performance Evaluation samples provided by EPA, the 
    State or by a third party (with the approval of the State or EPA) at 
    least once a year.
    * * * * *
        (h) * * *
        (10) * * *
        (ii) If duplicates of the original sample taken from each sampling 
    point used in the composite sample are available, the system may use 
    these instead of resampling. The duplicates must be analyzed and the 
    results reported to the State within 14 days after completion of the 
    composite analysis or before the holding time for the initial sample is 
    exceeded whichever is sooner.
    * * * * *
        (13) Analysis for PCBs shall be conducted as follows using the 
    methods in paragraph (e) of this section:
        (i) Each system which monitors for PCBs shall analyze each sample 
    using either Method 508.1, 525.2, 508 or 505. Users of Method 505 may 
    have more difficulty in achieving the required Aroclor detection limits 
    than users of Methods 508.1, 525.2 or 508.
    * * * * *
        (19) * * * 
        (i) * * * 
        (A) Analyze Performance Evaluation (PE) samples provided by EPA, 
    the State or by a third party (with the approval of the State or EPA) 
    at least once a year.
        (B) For each contaminant that has been included in the PE sample 
    achieve quantitative results on the analyses that are within the 
    following acceptance limits:
    * * * * *
        5. Section 141.40 is amended by revising paragraphs (g) and (n)(11) 
    introductory text, and by revising the entries in the table for 
    ``metolachlor'' and ``metribuzin'' in paragraph (n)(11) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 141.40  Special monitoring for inorganic and organic contaminants.
    
    * * * * *
        (g) Analysis for the unregulated contaminants listed under 
    paragraphs (e) and (j) of this section shall be conducted using EPA 
    Methods 502.2 or 524.2, or their equivalent as determined by EPA, 
    except analysis for bromodichloromethane, bromoform, 
    chlorodibromomethane and chloroform under paragraph (e) of this section 
    also may be conducted by EPA Method 551.1, and analysis for 1,2,3-
    trichloropropane also may be conducted by EPA Method 504.1 or 551.1. A 
    source for the EPA methods is referenced at Sec. 141.24(e).
    * * * * *
        (n) * * * 
        (11) The following documents are incorporated by reference. This 
    incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal 
    Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies 
    may be inspected at EPA's Drinking Water Docket, 401 M Street, SW, 
    Washington, DC 20460; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
    North Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC. Systems shall 
    monitor for the unregulated organic contaminants listed below, using 
    the method(s) identified below and using the analytical test procedures 
    contained in Technical Notes on Drinking Water Methods, EPA-600/R-94-
    173, October 1994, which is
    
    [[Page 47113]]
    
    available at NTIS, PB95-104766. Method 6610 shall be followed in 
    accordance with the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and 
    Wastewater 18th Edition Supplement, 1994, American Public Health 
    Association (APHA) or with the 19th edition of Standard Methods for the 
    Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1995, APHA; either edition may be 
    used. A source for APHA method 6610 and for EPA Methods 505, 507, 508, 
    508.1, 515.2, 525.2 and 531.1 is referenced at Sec. 141.24(e).
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Contaminants                                                Method                             
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
                                                            *                                                       
    Metolachlor..................................  507, 525.2, 508.1, 551.1                                         
    Metribuzin...................................  507, 525.2, 508.1, 551.1                                         
                                                                                                                    
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *                
                                                            *                                                       
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    * * * * *
        6. Section 141.74 is amended by revising the first five sentences 
    of paragraph (a) introductory text, the table and footnotes in 
    paragraph (a)(1), and the first and second sentences in paragraph 
    (a)(2) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 141.74  Analytical and monitoring requirements.
    
        (a) Analytical requirements. Only the analytical method(s) 
    specified in this paragraph, or otherwise approved by EPA, may be used 
    to demonstrate compliance with Secs. 141.71, 141.72 and 141.73. 
    Measurements for pH, turbidity, temperature and residual disinfectant 
    concentrations must be conducted by a person approved by the State. 
    Measurement for total coliforms, fecal coliforms and HPC must be 
    conducted by a laboratory certified by the State or EPA to do such 
    analysis. Until laboratory certification criteria are developed for the 
    analysis of fecal coliforms and HPC, any laboratory certified for total 
    coliforms analysis by the State or EPA is deemed certified for fecal 
    coliforms and HPC analysis. The following procedures shall be conducted 
    in accordance with the publications listed in the following section. * 
    * *
        (1) * * *
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Organism                                Methodology                      Citation \1\         
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Coliforms \2\.........................  Total Coliform Fermentation         9221A, B, C.                  
                                                   Technique 3,4,5.                                                 
                                                  Total Coliform Membrane Filter      9222A, B, C.                  
                                                   Technique.                                                       
                                                  ONPG-MUG Test \6\.................  9223                          
    Fecal Coliforms \2\.........................  Fecal Coliform MPN Procedure \7\..  9221E.                        
                                                  Fecal Coliform Membrane Filter      9222D.                        
                                                   Procedure.                                                       
    Heterotrophic bacteria \2\..................  Pour Plate Method.................  9215B.                        
    Turbidity...................................  Nephelometric Method..............  2130B.                        
                                                  Nephelometric Method..............  180.1.\8\                     
                                                  Great Lakes Instruments...........  Method 2.\9\                  
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Except where noted, all methods refer to Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 18th 
      edition, 1992 and 19th edition, 1995, American Public Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street NW,           
      Washington, D.C. 20005; either edition may be used.                                                           
    \2\ The time from sample collection to initiation of analysis may not exceed 8 hours. Systems are encouraged but
      not required to hold samples below 10 deg.C during transit.                                                   
    \3\ Lactose broth, as commercially available, may be used in lieu of lauryl tryptose broth, if the system       
      conducts at least 25 parallel tests between this medium and lauryl tryptose broth using the water normally    
      tested, and this comparison demonstrates that the false-positive rate and false-negative rate for total       
      coliforms, using lactose broth, is less than 10 percent.                                                      
    \4\ Media should cover inverted tubes at least one-half to two-thirds after the sample is added.                
    \5\ No requirement exists to run the completed phase on 10 percent of all total coliform-positive confirmed     
      tubes.                                                                                                        
    \6\ The ONPG-MUG Test is also known as the Autoanalysis Colilert System. A source for this test is referenced at
      Sec.  141.21(f)(5)(iii).                                                                                      
    \7\ A-1 Broth may be held up to three months in a tightly closed screwcap tube at 4 deg.C.                      
    \8\ ``Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Environmental Samples'', EPA-600/R-93-100, August
      1993. Available at NTIS, PB94-121811.                                                                         
    \9\ GLI Method 2, ``Turbidity'', November 2, 1992, Great Lakes Instruments, Inc., 8855 North 55th Street,       
      Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223.                                                                                   
    
        (2) Public water systems must measure residual disinfectant 
    concentrations with one of the analytical methods in the following 
    table. The methods are contained in both the 18th and 19th editions of 
    Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1992 and 
    1995; either edition may be used. * * *
    * * * * *
        7. Section 141.89 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1)(i) and by 
    removing the semicolon at the end of paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) and adding 
    a period in its place to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 141.89  Analytical methods.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (i) Analyze Performance Evaluation samples which include lead and 
    copper provided by EPA, the State or by a third party (with the 
    approval of the State or EPA) at least once a year.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 143--NATIONAL SECONDARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS
    
        1. The authority citation for part 143 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.
    
        2. Section 143.4 is amended by revising the table and footnotes in 
    paragraph (b) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 143.4  Monitoring.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
    
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Contaminant                     EPA                   ASTM \3\                          SM \4\                           Other             
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Aluminum.............................       \2\ 200.7  ...............................  3120B                                                           
    
    [[Page 47114]]
    
                                                                                                                                                            
                                                \2\ 200.8  ...............................  3113B                                                           
                                                \2\ 200.9  ...............................  3111D                                                           
    Chloride.............................       \1\ 300.0  D4327-91                         4110B                                                           
                                           ..............  ...............................  4500-Cl-D                                                       
                                           ..............  D512-89B                         4500-Cl-B                                                       
    Color................................  ..............  ...............................  2120B                                                           
    Foaming Agents.......................  ..............  ...............................  5540C                                                           
    Iron.................................       \2\ 200.7  ...............................  3120B                                                           
                                                \2\ 200.9  ...............................  3111B                                                           
                                           ..............  ...............................  3113B                                                           
    Manganese............................       \2\ 200.7  ...............................  3120B                                                           
                                                \2\ 200.8  ...............................  3111B                                                           
                                                \2\ 200.9  ...............................  3113B                                                           
    Odor.................................  ..............  ...............................  2150B                                                           
    Silver...............................       \2\ 200.7  ...............................  3120B                            I-3720-85.\5\                  
                                                \2\ 200.8  ...............................  3111B                                                           
                                                \2\ 200.9  ...............................  3113B                                                           
    Sulfate..............................       \1\ 300.0  D4327-91                         4110B                                                           
                                                \1\ 375.2  ...............................  4500-SO4-F                                                      
                                           ..............  ...............................  4500-SO4-C,D                                                    
                                           ..............  D516-90                          4500-SO4-E                                                      
    TDS..................................  ..............  ...............................  2540C                                                           
    Zinc.................................       \2\ 200.7  ...............................  3120B                                                           
                                                \2\ 200.8  ...............................  3111B                                                           
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The procedures shall be done in accordance with the documents listed below. The incorporation by reference of the following documents was approved by   
      the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of the documents may be obtained from the sources   
      listed below. Information regarding obtaining these documents can be obtained from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791. Documents may be  
      inspected at EPA's Drinking Water Docket, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460 (Telephone: 202-260-3027); or at the Office of Federal Register, 800 
      North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20408.                                                                                          
    \1\ ``Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Environmental Samples'', EPA-600/R-93-100, August 1993. Available at NTIS, PB94-120821.  
    \2\ ``Methods for the Determination of Metals in Environmental Samples--Supplement I'', EPA-600/R-94-111, May 1994. Available at NTIS, PB 95-125472.    
    \3\ Annual Book of ASTM Standards, 1994 and 1996, Vols. 11.01 and 11.02, American Society for Testing and Materials. Copies may be obtained from the    
      American Society for Testing and Materials, 101 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.                                                       
    \4\ 18th and 19th editions of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1992 and 1995, American Public Health Association; either   
      edition may be used. Copies may be obtained from the American Public Health Association, 1015 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20005.              
    \5\ Techniques of Water Resources Investigation of the U.S. Geological Survey, Book 5, Chapter A-1, 3rd ed., 1989, Method I-3720-85; Available from     
      Information Services, U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Center, Box 25286, Denver, CO 80225-0425.                                                       
    
    [FR Doc. 98-22204 Filed 9-2-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6560-50-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
1/4/1999
Published:
09/03/1998
Department:
Environmental Protection Agency
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Direct final rule.
Document Number:
98-22204
Dates:
This final rule will become effective without further notice on January 4, 1999, unless EPA receives relevant adverse comment by November 2, 1998.
Pages:
47098-47114 (17 pages)
Docket Numbers:
WH-FRL-6132-2
RINs:
2040-AC77: National Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Regulations: Analytic Methods for Organic, Inorganic and Microbiological Contaminants and Pesticides
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2040-AC77/national-primary-and-secondary-drinking-water-regulations-analytic-methods-for-organic-inorganic-and
PDF File:
98-22204.pdf
CFR: (8)
40 CFR 141.21(f)(5)(iii)
40 CFR 141.21
40 CFR 141.23
40 CFR 141.24
40 CFR 141.40
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