Approval of Variance Decision Pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act; Alternative Treatment Technique for National Primary Drinking Water Lead and Copper Regulations for Denver Water

Résumé

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a variance under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) for Denver Water. This variance will allow Denver Water to implement a Lead Reduction Program Plan (LRPP) as an alternative to using orthophosphate as a corrosion control treatment to reduce lead concentrations in drinking water. Denver Water's LRPP is expected to be as protective in lowering lead levels as the requirements under the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). This variance is effective for an initial period of three years and may be extended if Denver Water demonstrates the effectiveness of this alternative approach. Concurrent with this action, the EPA is asking for comments on the potential criteria for how the Agency will determine whether to extend this variance for up to an additional twelve years. The EPA is accepting public comments on these criteria and on the EPA's interpretation of the statutory standard for future variance requests, as described under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.