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Posted on Aug 31 2005
New tests to detect ‘undetectable’ bacteria
EPA—New test methods proposed today by the Environmental Protection Agency will lead to the detection of four types of bacteria in wastewater and sewage sludge. EPA’s proposal centers on culture-based approaches to detecting enterococci and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in wastewater.
Additional tests will identify salmonella and fecal coliform bacteria in sewage sludge. The bacteria are seen as “health indicators” that point to possible contamination and the need for further investigation and treatment.
Until now, no EPA-approved tests were available to detect these bacteria in wastewater. The new tests will yield results within 24 hours and provide treatment facilities with an indication of the effectiveness of their treatment techniques.
“These tools have proved reliable through extensive testing and verification. They will increase our confidence in test results that detect bacteria in waste water and sewage sludge,” said EPA assistant administrator Ben Grumbles.
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‘Gas distribution standards protect public health’
With recent risk analysis showing that current gasoline distribution industry air toxics standards protect public health, EPA is proposing that further controls on the industry are not warranted. EPA’s 1994 air toxics standards for the gas distribution industry limit emissions at terminals where gasoline is loaded into trucks for delivery to gas stations. These standards reduce toxic emissions by 2,300 tons annually.
After these facilities implemented the standards, EPA analyzed their remaining air emissions to determine whether they pose a risk to human health or the environment. The analysis showed a low risk from gasoline distribution facilities. The proposal announces EPA’s decision to retain the existing standards and requests public comments on the residual risk assessment and technology review. EPA will take comment on the proposal for 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.
For more information on this action, visit http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3/fact_sheets/gasdistfs.html
