HAMPTON ROADS WATER QUALITY RESPONSE

2013 UPDATE

HAMPTON ROADS WATER QUALITY RESPONSE PLAN

PREPAREDFORTHE

DIRECTORSOFUTILITIESCOMMITTEE

ANDTHE

HAMPTONROADSHEALTHDISTRICTDIRECTORS

PREPAREDBYTHESTAFFOFTHE

HAMPTONROADSPLANNINGDISTRICTCOMMISSION

REPORTNO.PEP13‐07

REVISEDJUNE2013JANUARY2000,PREVIOUSLYREVISEDMARCH2000,AUGUST2000,JANUARY2002,ANDFEBRUARY2003

HAMPTON ROADS PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION

DWIGHT L. FARMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/SECRETARY

CHESAPEAKE POQUOSON AMAR DWARKANATH W. EUGENE HUNT, JR. JAMES E. BAKER * J. RANDALL WHEELER SCOTT MATHESON DEBBIE RITTER PORTSMOUTH * ELLA P. WARD JOHN L. ROWE, JR. * KENNETH I. WRIGHT FRANKLIN * R. RANDY MARTIN SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY BARRY CHEATHAM BARRY PORTER * MICHAEL W. JOHNSON GLOUCESTER COUNTY * BRENDA G. GARTON SUFFOLK CARTER BORDEN * SELENA CUFFEE-GLENN LINDA T. JOHNSON HAMPTON MARY BUNTING SURRY COUNTY WILL J. MOFFETT * TYRONE W. FRANKLIN * CHRISTOPHER STUART JOHN M. SEWARD

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY VIRGINIA BEACH W. DOUGLAS CASKEY ROBERT M. DYER DELORES DARDEN BARBARA M. HENLEY

* LOUIS R. JONES JAMES CITY COUNTY JOHN MOSS * MARY K. JONES AMELIA ROSS-HAMMOND ROBERT C. MIDDAUGH JAMES K. SPORE JOHN E. UHRIN NEWPORT NEWS NEIL A. MORGAN WILLIAMSBURG

* MCKINLEY L. PRICE CLYDE A. HAULMAN SHARON P. SCOTT * JACKSON C. TUTTLE

NORFOLK YORK COUNTY ANTHONY L. BURFOOT * JAMES O. McREYNOLDS * PAUL D. FRAIM THOMAS G. SHEPPERD, JR. THOMAS R. SMIGIEL MARCUS JONES ANGELIA WILLIAMS *EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER

PROJECT STAFF

RANDY R. KEATON HRPDC DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WHITNEY S. KATCHMARK PRINCIPAL WATER RESOUCES ENGINEER TIFFANY M. SMITH WATER RESOURCES PLANNER CHRISTOPHER W. VAIGNEUR ASSISTANT GENERAL SERVICES MANAGER JENNIFER COLEMAN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

2013 UPDATE

HAMPTON ROADS WATER QUALITY RESPONSE PLAN

PREPAREDFORTHE

DEPARTMENTSOFUTILITIES

ANDTHE

DEPARTMENTSOFHEALTH

PREPAREDBYTHESTAFFOFTHE

HAMPTONROADSPLANNINGDISTRICTCOMMISSION

REPORTNO.PEP13‐07

REVISEDJUNE2013JANUARY2000,PREVIOUSLYREVISEDMARCH2000,AUGUST2000,JANUARY2002,ANDFEBRUARY2003

R E PO R T DO CUMEN T A T I O N

TITLE:

HamptonRoadsWaterQualityResponsePlan,2013Update(ReportNo.PEP13‐07)

REPORTDATE:

June2013

AUTHORS:

StaffoftheHamptonRoadsPlanningDistrictCommission,incooperationwiththeHRPDCDirectorsofUtilitiesCommittee,theHamptonRoadsHealthDistrictDirectors,andVirginiaDepartmentofHealthOfficeofDrinkingWater

ORGANIZATIONNAMEANDCONTACTINFORMATION:

HamptonRoadsPlanningDistrictCommission723WoodlakeDriveChesapeake,Virginia23320(757)420‐8300http://www.hrpdcva.gov

ABSTRACT:

TheHamptonRoadsWaterQualityResponsePlan,initiallypreparedin2000,describesaregionalemergencymanagementprocesstoprotectcitizensinthecaseofdrinkingwateremergencies.The2013 update of the plan provides guidance and reference information to supplement local andstateemergencyresponseeffortstoadrinkingwaterhealththreatinHamptonRoads.Theplanisintended to help multiple agencies respond to water quality emergencies in a cohesive andsynchronizedmanner.Theplandescribesa responseprocedure forcooperativeactionbetweenemergency representatives of Hampton Roads water utilities, local health districts, and theVirginiaDepartmentofHealth(VDH)intheeventofawaterbornepublichealththreat.Theplanalsoprovidesforcoordinatedcommunicationwiththepublicandthemedia.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The Hampton Roads Water Quality Response Plan was originally published in January 2000(HRPDCReportNo.00‐01).TheHRPDCstaffandtheSubcommitteeonCommunicationdevelopedthe Response Plan for the HRPDC Directors of Utilities Committee, the Directors of HamptonRoadsLocalHealthDistricts, theVirginiaDepartmentofHealth(VDH)OfficeofDrinkingWater,and theVDHOffice of Epidemiology. Theprojectwas included in theHamptonRoadsPlanningDistrict Commission Work Program for Fiscal Year 1999‐2000, which was approved by theCommission at its Executive CommitteeMeeting ofMarch 17, 1999. Revisions of the documentwerepublishedinMarch2000,August2000,January2002,andFebruary2003.

The2013Updateof theHamptonRoadsWaterQualityResponsePlanwaspreparedunder theHampton Roads Planning District Commission Unified PlanningWork Program for Fiscal Year2012‐2013, approvedby theCommissionat itsQuarterlyCommitteeMeetingofApril19,2012.FundingforthisdocumentwasprovidedprimarilybytheHamptonRoadslocalitiesthroughtheRegionalWaterResourcesProgram.

Hampton Roads Water Quality Response Plan

2013 Update | i

P R E F A C E Thisdocumentisthe2013updateoftheHamptonRoadsWaterQualityResponsePlan.Theplanis intended as guidance and reference information to supplement local and state emergencyresponseefforts toadrinkingwaterhealth threat inHamptonRoads.Theplanrecognizes theNationalIncidentManagementSystemandtheemergencymanagementplans,procedures,andstandardsinusebyHamptonRoadsutilities,localities,healthdistricts,theVirginiaDepartmentofHealth(VDH),andotheragencies.

The original version of the Hampton Roads Water Quality Response Plan was approved onJanuary 19, 2000 (HRPDC Report No. 00‐01). The plan describes an emergencymanagementprocess toprotect citizens in the caseof drinkingwater emergencies. Theplan is intended tohelpmultiple agencies respond towater quality emergencies in a cohesive and synchronizedmanner. The plan describes a response procedure for cooperative action between emergencyrepresentatives of Hampton Roads water utilities, local health districts, and the VirginiaDepartment ofHealth (VDH) in the event of awaterborne public health threat. The plan alsoprovidesforcoordinatedcommunicationwiththepublicandthemedia.TheHRPDCstaffandtheSubcommittee on Communication developed the Response Plan for the HRPDC Directors ofUtilitiesCommittee, theDirectorsofHamptonRoadsPublicHealthDistricts, theVDHOfficeofDrinkingWater, and theVDHOffice of Epidemiology. Previous to this 2013 revision, the planwasupdatedinFebruary2003,January2002,August2000,andMarch2000.


ii | 2013 Update

A C KNOW L E DG EM EN T S

The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) would like to thank the HRPDCDirectorsofUtilitiesCommittee,theHamptonRoadsHealthDistrictDirectors,andtheVirginiaDepartment of Health, Office of Drinking Water for their contributions to the project anddevelopmentofthisupdate.

HRPDC Directors of Utilities Committee

DanielG.ClaytonIII,WilliamsburgW.ScottDewhirst,NewportNewsBryanFoster,PortsmouthLarryFoster,JamesCityServiceAuthorityH.ReedFowlerII,NewportNewsTyroneFranklin,SurryEdwardG.Henifin,HamptonRoadsSanitation

DistrictWilliamHopkins,SmithfieldJohnHudgins,YorkJulienJohnson,SouthamptonCounty

ThomasM.LeahyIII,VirginiaBeachKristenM.Lentz,NorfolkWilliamJ.Meyer,ChesapeakeAlbertMoorII,SuffolkRussellPace,FranklinBrianRamaley,NewportNewsAnthonyReyes,HamptonMartinSchlesinger,GloucesterEverettSkipper,NewportNewsRobertSpeechly,PoquosonMichaelStallings,WindsorEdwinP.Wrightson,IsleofWight

Hampton Roads Health District Directors

S.WilliamBerg,HamptonHealthDistrictDavidChang,PortsmouthHealthDistrictAltonHart,CraterHealthDistrictDemetriaLindsay,NorfolkCityHealthDistrictVenitaNewby‐Owens,VirginiaBeachHealthDistrictKatrinaRhodes,ThreeRiversHealthDistrictNzingaTeule‐Hekima,PeninsulaHealthDistrictNancyWelch,ChesapeakeHealthDistrictandWesternTidewaterHealthDistrict

Virginia Department of Health

JohnJ.AulbachII,VirginiaDepartmentofHealth,OfficeofDrinkingWaterAnaColón,VirginiaDepartmentofHealth,OfficeofEpidemiologyDanielB.Horne,VirginiaDepartmentofHealth,OfficeofDrinkingWaterBennettK.Ragnauth,VirginiaDepartmentofHealth,OfficeofDrinkingWaterDavidH.Trump,VirginiaDepartmentofHealth,OfficeofEpidemiology


2013 Update | iii

T A B L E O F CON T E N T S

PAGE

PREFACE................................................................................................................................................................................ii

1 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................1

1.1 Purpose...................................................................................................................................................................1

1.2 2013PlanUpdate...............................................................................................................................................1

1.3 InitialPlanDevelopmentandPreviousPlanUpdates.........................................................................2

2 PLANCOMPONENTS..........................................................................................................................2

3 TRIGGEREVENTS...............................................................................................................................3

4 RESPONSETEAM................................................................................................................................4

5 RESPONSEPROCEDURE...................................................................................................................4

6 RESOURCES..........................................................................................................................................7

6.1 EmergencyContactList...................................................................................................................................7

6.2 LaboratoryFacilities.........................................................................................................................................7

6.3 PublicNoticesofPotentialHealthRisks...................................................................................................8

6.4 FactSheetResources.....................................................................................................................................11

6.5 CrossEducation................................................................................................................................................11

TABLES

Table1: ThreeTiersofPublicNotification................................................................................................9Table2: ViolationsandSituationsRequiringPublicNotice............................................................10APPENDICES

AppendixA: WaterQualityResponsePlanEmergencyContactList..................................................A‐1AppendixB: VDHGuidelinesforWaterborneIllnessOutbreaks.........................................................B‐1AppendixC: RequiredElementsofaPublicNotice....................................................................................C‐1


iv | 2013 Update

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2013 Update | 1

1 INTRODUCTION

TheHamptonRoadsWaterQualityResponsePlan,initiallypreparedin2000,describesaregionalemergencymanagementprocesstoprotectcitizensinthecaseofdrinkingwateremergencies.Theplanisaguidancedocumenttohelpmultipleagenciesrespondtowaterqualityemergenciesinacohesiveandsynchronizedmanner.TheplandescribesaresponseprocedureforcooperativeactionbetweenemergencyrepresentativesofHamptonRoadswaterutilities,localhealthdistricts,andtheVirginiaDepartmentofHealth(VDH)intheeventofawaterbornepublichealththreat.Theplanalsoprovidesforcoordinatedcommunicationwiththepublicandthemedia.

TheHamptonRoadsPlanningDistrictCommission(HRPDC)maintainstheplan.HRPDCstaffannuallyupdatestheplan’sEmergencyContactList(seeAppendixA)anddistributesthelistandplaninformationtopartneragenciesbiannuallyinthespringandfall.TheEmergencyContactListincludesthepublicutilities/worksdivisionsandpreventativemedicineunitsatallHamptonRoadsmilitaryinstallations,HamptonRoadsHealthDistricts,VDHOfficesofEpidemiologyandDrinkingWater,HamptonRoadswaterutilities,andstateandfederalemergencyhotlines.

1.1 Purpose

TheHamptonRoadsregionwasproactiveinfosteringrelationshipsbetweendrinkingwaterutilitiesandpublichealthagencies,understandingthattheseconnectionscanbeleveragedtowardtherapididentificationandresponsetowaterbornepublichealththreats.TheHamptonRoadsWaterQualityResponsePlanwasdevelopedasacollaborativeeffortbetweentheregion’swaterutilities,healthdistricts,andVDHtoprovideameanstoassesspotentialdrinkingwaterthreatsbysynthesizingmultipleinformationstreams,namelyalertsfrom:

Utilitiesusingroutinewatersamplingandanalysis,specializedmonitoring,andevaluationsofcustomeralertsofwaterqualityconcerns;and

Healthdistricts/departmentsconductingsyndromicsurveillanceofinformationsuchassalesofover‐the‐countermedication,reportsfromemergencymedicalservicelogs,callsto911centers,andcallsintopoisoncontrolhotlines.

TheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)SafeDrinkingWaterActandtheVDHregulationsproviderulesandguidancethatthewaterutilitiesmustfollowtoconfirmandreportsituationsthatposepublichealthriskstotheEPA,VDH,andthegeneralpublic.EPApublishedrevisedDrinkingWaterPublicNoticeRegulationsin2000,clarifyingtherequirementsforreportingwaterqualityviolationstothegeneralpublic.Thisplanisintendedtosupplementthosealreadyestablishedrequirements,nottopreempttherequirements.

1.2 2013 Plan Update

Sincethelastplanrevisionin2003,utilities,localities,publichealthagencies,andemergencymanagementagencieshavedevelopedconsiderableinternalresources,procedures,andplansforemergencyresponseinaccordancewiththeNationalIncidentManagementSystem(NIMS)1andtheIncidentCommandSystem(ICS)2.The2013updateoftheHamptonRoadsWaterQualityResponsePlanacknowledgesexistingresponseframeworksandisintendedtoserve

1Formoreinformation,seehttp://www.fema.gov/national‐preparedness/national‐incident‐management‐system.2Formoreinformation,seehttp://www.fema.gov/incident‐command‐system.


2 | 2013 Update

asaguidancedocumentforregionalefforts.Theinformationandresponseproceduredescribedhereinissupplementalandsecondarytotheinternalnotification,alert,andcommunicationsystemsandemergencyresponseplansandprotocolscurrentlyinusebyHamptonRoadsutilities,localities,healthdistricts,andstateagencies.

Theupdate/revisionoftheHamptonRoadsWaterQualityResponsePlanisarecommendedinitiativeinthe2012HamptonRoadsWaterandWastewaterSystemsEmergencyPreparednessandResponseRegionalImprovementPlan(HRPDCReportNo.PEP12‐12).AttheDecember5,2012jointmeetingoftheDirectorsofUtilitiesCommittee,theLocalHealthDistrictDirectors,andtheVDHOfficeofDrinkingWater,generalsupportforthisinitiativewasexpressedbythegroup,andHRPDCstaffwasdirectedtoupdatetheplanandtodistributetheemergencycontactlistandsummaryplaninformationinthespringandfallofeachyear.

The2013planupdateincludesnewinformationonlaboratoryresourcesandinternetlinkstoupdatedguidance,factsheets,andotherEPAinformation.

1.3 Initial Plan Development and Previous Plan Updates

Inresponsetonationalandlocaldrinkingwaterqualityissuesandtheincreasedmediacoverageofsuchoccurrencesinthelate1990s,theHRPDCDirectorsofUtilitiesCommittee,thelocalHealthDistrictDirectors,andVDHOfficesofEpidemiologyandWaterProgramsstaffrecognizedtheneedtoimprovecommunicationbetweenwaterpurveyorsandhealthofficials.ThesestakeholdersassumedaproactiveroletoimprovecommunicationprocessessothatactionsregardingrealorperceivedwaterbornethreatstohumanhealthcouldbecooperativelyimplementedandsothataccurateinformationcouldbeprovidedtothecitizensofHamptonRoadsinareasonableandtimelymanner.

In1998,theHRPDCDirectorsofUtilitiesCommitteeandmembersofthelocalandStatehealthdepartmentsformedaregionalSubcommitteeonCommunicationandchargedthesubcommitteewithprovidingrecommendationstoimproveregionallevelcommunicationinresponsetowaterqualityissuesandhealthadvisories.In1999,anEmergencyProceduresFrameworkwasdevelopedtoaddressthefollowingobjectives:

DevelopanetworkofUtilityandPublicHealthprimaryandsecondarycontacts;

Assemblefactsheetsontopicswhichcoverpossibleevents,problems,andareasofconcern;

Establishaproceduretocallemergencymeetingswithkeyindividualsatapredeterminedcentrallocation.

ThisframeworkdocumentdevelopedintotheHamptonRoadsWaterQualityResponsePlan,whichwasapprovedonJanuary19,2000bytheHamptonRoadsPlanningDistrictCommission.TheSubcommitteeonCommunicationfortheDirectorsofUtilitiesCommittee,theDirectorsofthePublicHealthDistrictsandtheVDHOfficeofWaterPrograms,andHRPDCstaffparticipatedintheplan’sdevelopment.RevisionsofthedocumentwerepublishedinMarch2000,August2000,January2002,andFebruary2003.

2 PLAN COMPONENTS

ThecomponentsoftheHamptonRoadsWaterQualityResponsePlanprovideforcoordinatedresponseacrossagenciesandjurisdictions,aswellasconsistentandsynchronizedpublicandmediacommunication.Theplandescribes:


2013 Update | 3

Triggerevents,fromboththeutilityandpublichealthperspectives;

Responseteamconsiderationsandemergencycontacts;

Responseprocedure,includingcoordinatedpublicandmediaoutreach;and

Resources,includinginformationonEPAandVDHregulations,guidance,andfactsheetsonwaterbornehealthconcerns.

AkeycomponentoftheplanistheEmergencyContactList(AppendixA),whichisdescribedinSection6,Resources.HRPDCstaffannuallyupdatesanddistributestheEmergencyContactList.Othercomponentsofthisplanshouldbeperiodicallyreviewedandupdatedasnecessary.

3 TRIGGER EVENTS

Atriggereventisanysituationthatmayresultinnegativehumanhealthimpactsfrompublicdrinkingwater.Identifyingthetriggereventisthefirststepintheresponseprocess.Waterutilitiesandhealthdistricts/departmentswillrelyonestablishedinternalanalysesandprocedurestoconfirmifaneventshouldtriggertheresponseprocessdescribedinthisplan.

Noneofthetriggereventslistedbelowuniversallyresultinnegativehealthimpacts.Fromawaterutilityperspective,atriggereventmayoccurwhenthereis:

Aprimarytreatmentbarrierbreakdown,or

Aninterruptionintheroutinewaterqualitymonitoringprogram,or

Aviolationofthetotalcoliformrule,or

Aviolationofthesurfacewatertreatmentturbiditystandards,or

Alaboratoryfindingofpathogensorchemicalcontaminantsinthefinishedwateratlevelsinexcessofdrinkingwaterstandards,or

Asuspectedorconfirmedreleaseofacontaminantinthesourcewaterorthefinishedwater,or

Othereventsthatmayposeathreattohumanhealthifnotcorrected.

Fromapublichealthperspective,atriggereventoccurswhenillnessorsymptomsofillnessintwoormorepersonsisacquiredthroughtheconsumptionoforcontactwithdrinkingwater.VDH’s“WaterborneIllnessOutbreak”guidelines3assistlocalandregionalhealthdepartmentsinidentifyingandreportingallwaterborneassociatedillnesses(seeAppendixB).Althoughnotexclusivelyrelatedtoexposuretocontaminatedwater,possiblewaterborneillnessesincludebutarenotlimitedto:

Giardiasis,

Cryptosporidiosis,

GastroenteritisduetotoxigenicE.Coli,

Viralgastroenteritis,

HepatitisA,

3VDHplanstoupdatetheJune1999“WaterborneIllnessOutbreak”guidelines.ContacttheVDHOfficeofEpidemiologyformoreinformation.


4 | 2013 Update

Shigellosis,

Cyclosporiasis,and

Cholera

Otherpublichealth‐driventriggereventsmayincludeanunusualnumberofcomplaintsaboutdrinkingwaterqualitytoeitherthewaterutilityorthehealthdistrict/department.

4 RESPONSE TEAM

UtilitiesandpublichealthagencieswillfollowtheirestablishedresponseplansandprotocolsinaccordancewithNIMSandICS.Thefollowingconsiderationsareprovidedforinitiatingamultiple‐agencyresponse:

Aresponseteamshouldbeassembledtoevaluateatriggerevent.

Theresponseteamshouldconsistofemergencyrepresentativesfromthewaterutilities,VDHOfficesofEpidemiologyandDrinkingWater,andthelocalhealthdistrictoffices.DetailedlistingsofprimaryandsecondarycontactsareavailableinAppendixA.

Forwaterutilitiesservingmultiplejurisdictionsandmilitaryinstallations,theresponseteamshouldincludetheemergencyrepresentativefromthepotentiallyaffectedarea(s).

5 RESPONSE PROCEDURE

UtilitiesandpublichealthagencieswillfollowtheirestablishedresponseplansandprotocolsinaccordancewithNIMSandICS.Therecommendedelementsofamultiple‐agencyresponseprocedurearelistedbelow:

1. AConfirmedTriggerEventOccurs.Thereare internalprocedures specific to thewaterutilityand/or thehealthdepartment todetermine if anevent should triggerthis process. The applicable internal procedures must be followed to confirm atriggereventbeforeinitiatingtheassemblageofaresponseteam.Theconfirmationofatriggereventmaybeguidedbythefollowing:

EPAfactsheet“FinalDrinkingWaterPublicNotificationRegulations”4

EPAfactsheet“DrinkingWaterPublicNotification”5

VDHguidelines“WaterborneIllnessOutbreaks”6(seeAppendixB).

4“FinalDrinkingWaterPublicNotificationRegulations”FactSheet:http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/publicnotification/upload/fsfinaldwpnregulations.pdf5“DrinkingWaterPublicNotification”FactSheet:http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/publicnotification/upload/dwpnquicklook.pdf6 VDHplanstoupdatetheJune1999“WaterborneIllnessOutbreak”guidelines.ContacttheVDHOfficeofEpidemiologyformoreinformation.


2013 Update | 5

2. Assemble the Response Team. A response team should be assembled inaccordance with the emergency response plans and protocols of the agencyconfirming the trigger event. AppendixA lists the contact information for primaryand secondary emergency representatives for each agency. Potentially, theemergency representative of the confirming agency would call the emergencycontacts associated with the other team agencies. For example, the Director ofUtilitiesorhis/herrepresentativewillcalltheemergencycontactpersonfortheVDHOfficeofDrinkingWaterProgramsandtheLocalHealthDistrictinthecaseofawaterutilityproblemorviolation. Basedonapreliminarydiscussion, theresponseteamwoulddecidetoholdaconferencecallorameeting.ThecontactfortheVDHOfficeofDrinkingWaterProgramsshouldcall theVDHOfficeofEpidemiologycontact toadvise her/him of the situation and arrangements. For water utilities that servemultiple jurisdictions, the water utility’s representative should inform theemergencycontactsofthejurisdictionsandmilitaryinstallationspotentiallyaffected.

3. Evaluate the Health Implications of the Event. Health implications will beevaluated by team agencies according to established internal procedures. Theresponse team will discuss the incident/findings reported and all relevantinformation, and determine if further information is needed to analyze the eventthoroughly. They will also recommend a course of action, in consideration ofestablishedresponseplansandframeworks.Actionsmayincludebutarenotlimitedto:

Determiningifthetriggereventwillresultinapublichealththreat,

Gatheringmoreinformation,

Determiningtheappropriatemeasurestomitigatethethreattopublichealth,

Recommendingaboilwateradvisoryorotheraction,

Schedulingamulti‐agencypressconferencetoalertthepublic,

Developingapublicserviceannouncement,

Monitoringtheincidentoveraperiodoftime,

Determiningthatnoactionisrequiredandthattheincidentdoesnotposeathreattopublichealth,or

Coordinatingandimplementingamonitoringprocesstoevaluateandmodifyasneededtheactionorresponsetothetriggerevent.

4. WaterUtilityRepresentativeContactsOtherHamptonRoadsUtilities. Unlessthe response team members agree upon “no action”, the Director of Utilities orhis/herrepresentativewillcontacttheotherlocalutilitiesandmilitarypublicworksofficeswithintheregiontoadvisethemoftheeventsanddecisions.ItispreferabletoadvisetheHamptonRoadsareacontactspriortoapressconferenceoranypublicannouncement.Thiscanbeaccomplishedthroughemail,facsimile,orphonecalls.AdetailedlistingofcontactsisprovidedinAppendixA.

5. Local Health District Representative Contacts Other Hampton Roads HealthDistricts.Unlesstheresponseteammembersagreeupon“noaction”,theDirectoroftheLocalHealthDistrictorhis/herrepresentativewillcontacttheotherLocalHealthDistrictsandthemilitarypreventivemedicineunitswithintheHamptonRoadsarea


6 | 2013 Update

to advise them of the events and decisions. It is preferable to advise the otherHampton Roads Local Health Districts prior to a press conference or any publicannouncement.Thiscanbeaccomplishedthroughemail,facsimile,orphonecalls.AdetailedlistingofcontactsisprovidedinAppendixA.

6. Response Team Monitors Trigger Event to Evaluate and Modify theAction/Response. Unlesstheresponseteammembersagreeupon“noaction,”theresponseteamwillberesponsible formonitoringtheeventand forrecommendingmodificationstothecourseofaction.Itisnottheintentofthisdocumenttoidentifymonitoringrequirements.TheFederalandStateregulationsrequirevariouslevelsofmonitoringactivitiesthataredependentuponthetypeoftriggereventexperienced.Foreventsnotcoveredbyaregulatoryprocess, theresponseteamwillagreeuponthe methods suitable to monitor the event. If a health advisory is issued, theresponseteamwillevaluatethedatacollectedfromthewaterutility,thelocalpublichealth department, theVDHWaterborneHazards Control Program7 and any othersources available. Some of the factors to consider in rescinding a public healthadvisoryarethefollowing:

Havethesourcewaterqualityindicatorsreturnedtoacceptablelevels?

Aredeficienciesinthetreatmentbarriersresolvedanddowaterqualitytestssupporttheconclusion?

Havethefinishedwaterqualityindicatorsreturnedtoacceptablelevelswithinregulatorylimits?

Doessuccessivepathogenmonitoringshowacceptableresults?Forpathogens,anyinadequaciesinthedetectionmethodsusedshouldalsobeconsideredbeforerescindingapublichealthadvisory.

Doeswaterqualitymonitoringinthedistributionsystemshowacceptableresults?

Hasthedistributionsystembeensufficientlyflushedwithnon‐contaminatedfinishedwater?

Doepidemiologicalsurveysindicatetheeventisover?Itshouldbenotedthattheepidemiologicaldataisoftennotavailableuntillongaftertheeventisover.

Foradditionalassistanceindeterminingwhethertoissueorrescindapublichealthadvisory,theresponseteammaycontacttheEPAEnvironmentalResponseTeam(24hoursaday:732‐321‐6660)andtheCenterforDiseaseControl(800‐232‐4636,or24/7EmergencyOperationsCenter770‐488‐7100).

Upondeterminationthatthetriggereventmaynolongerposeahumanhealthrisk,theresponseteamwilldetermineasuitablemeansforinformingthepublic.Theseverityofthetriggerevent’simpactonpublichealthwillinfluencethedecisionregardingpublicnotice.Theresponseteammayconsiderthefollowingmethodsforinformingthepublic:

Publicannouncementsinthepress,radio,ortelevision;

Paidannouncementsinthepress,radio,ortelevision;

7VDHWaterborneHazardsControlProgram:http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/DEE/Waterborne/


2013 Update | 7

Jointpressreleaseandmediaconference;

Directmailingofflierstocustomers;and

Insertsortaglinesinwaterbills.

6 RESOURCES

6.1 Emergency Contact List

HRPDCstaffannuallyupdatestheEmergencyContactListfortheHamptonRoadsWaterQualityResponsePlan(seeAppendixA)anddistributesthelistandplaninformationtopartneragenciesbiannuallyinthespringandfall.TheEmergencyContactListincludesthepublicutilities/worksdivisionsandpreventativemedicineunitsatallHamptonRoadsmilitaryinstallations,HamptonRoadsHealthDistricts,VDHOfficesofEpidemiologyandDrinkingWater,HamptonRoadswaterutilities,andstateandfederalemergencyhotlines.

6.2 Laboratory Facilities

Therearenumerouslaboratoryfacilitiesintheregionthatofferdrinkingwaterqualitytesting.TheVirginiaDepartmentofGeneralServices,DivisionofConsolidatedLaboratoryServices(DCLS)providesanalyticaltestingservicesforagenciesoftheCommonwealthofVirginia,localgovernment,federalagenciesandotherstates,andevaluatesandcertifieslaboratoriesforspecificfieldsofaccreditation.EPAalsoapproveslaboratoriesforcertaindrinkingwateranalyses.

DCLSandEPAprovidelistingsofcertifiedand/orapprovedlaboratoriesontheirwebsites:

VirginiaDivisionofConsolidatedLaboratoryServices(DCLS)certifiedlabsforVirginiaSafeDrinkingWaterProgram(SDWP)andVirginiaEnvironmentalLaboratoryAccreditationProgram(VELAP):http://www.dgs.virginia.gov/DivisionofConsolidatedLaboratoryServices/Services/LaboratoryCertification/tabid/508/Default.aspx

VELAPAccreditedCommercialLaboratories(1VAC30‐46)andVELAPCertifiedNon‐CommercialLaboratories(1VAC30‐45))8:http://www.dgs.virginia.gov/DivisionofConsolidatedLaboratoryServices/Services/EnvironmentalLaboratoryCertification/tabid/1059/Default.aspx

EPA‐approvedlabsforthethirdUnregulatedContaminantMonitoringRule(UCMR3):http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/ucmr/ucmr3/laboratories.cfm

TheEPAoffersadditionalresourcestoassistlaboratories,waterutilities,emergencyresponders,andotherlocal,state,andfederalagenciesincoordinatingresponsestodrinkingwatercontaminationincidents.9AspartoftheEnvironmentalResponseLaboratoryNetwork(ERLN),

8DCLSlistingsofVELAPaccreditedcommerciallaboratoriesandVELAPcertifiednon‐commerciallaboratoriesareavailableasPDFs,aswellasMicrosoftExcelfilesthatallowsortingoflabsbylocation,facility,accreditation,oranalyticalmethod:http://www.dgs.virginia.gov/DivisionofConsolidatedLaboratoryServices/Services/EnvironmentalLaboratoryCertification/tabid/1059/Default.aspx9EPA’sWaterSecuritywebsite:http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/


8 | 2013 Update

theEPAestablishedtheWaterLaboratoryAlliance(WLA)in2009toprovidethedrinkingwatersectorwithanintegratednationwidenetworkoflaboratorieswiththeanalyticalcapabilityandcapacitytorespondtointentionalandunintentionaldrinkingwatercontaminationeventsinvolvingchemical,biological,andradiochemicalcontaminants.10WLAresourcesaresummarizedinavirtualtoolkitthatcontainsfactsheets,guidancedocuments,tools,learningopportunities,andEPAcontactinformation.11InNovember2010,EPAreleasedthefinalWaterLaboratoryAllianceResponsePlan,whichprovidesprocessesandproceduresforcoordinatedlaboratoryresponsetowatercontaminationincidentsthatmayrequireadditionalanalyticalsupportandabroaderresponsethanatypicallaboratorycanprovide.TheplanisdesignedtoworkwithinexistingIncidentCommandSystemstructuresandprocedurestofacilitateemergencylaboratorysupporttowatercontaminationevents.Duringanaturaldisaster,terroristevent,oraccidentaffectingthewatersector,alargenumberofenvironmentalsampleswillbegenerated,likelyoverwhelmingthecapacityand/orcapabilityofanyindividuallaboratorytoprovidesufficientanalyticalsupport.Theplanprovidesaconsistentapproachtohowwaterutility,state,andEPAregionallaboratoriesshouldcoordinatetomeettheneedforanalyticalsupport.TheWaterLaboratoryAllianceResponsePlancanbefoundinelectronicformatontheEPAwebsiteat:http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/wla/underWLAToolsandResources.6.3 Public Notices of Potential Health Risks

TheSafeDrinkingWaterAct(SDWA)Amendmentsof1996revisedthepublicnotificationprovisionstobettertargetnoticesforseriousviolationsposingashort‐termrisktohealthandtomaketheexistingnotificationprocesslessburdensomeandmoreeffective.EPApublishedrevisedpublicnotificationregulationsonMay4,2000(seeEPAfactsheet“FinalDrinkingWaterPublicNotificationRegulations”12).TheregulationsareintheCodeofFederalRegulations(CFR)underChapter40,Part40CFR141,SubpartQ,beginningatsection40CFR141.201.13

EPAhasspecificrequirementsfortheformatandcontentofpublicnotices,aswellasthemannerofdistributionandfrequency.Noticesmustcontainthefollowing:

Adescriptionoftheviolationthatoccurred,includingthepotentialhealtheffects

Thepopulationatriskandifalternatewatersuppliesneedtobeused

Whatthewatersystemisdoingtocorrecttheproblem

Actionsconsumerscantake

Whentheviolationoccurredandwhenthesystemexpectsittoberesolved

Howtocontactthewatersystemformoreinformation

Languageencouragingbroaderdistributionofthenotice

10WaterLaboratoryAlliance(WLA):http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/wla/index.cfm11WLAtoolkit:http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/wla/upload/epa817b12001.pdf12“FinalDrinkingWaterPublicNotificationRegulations”FactSheet:http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/publicnotification/regulations.cfm13PublicNotificationRule:http://www.epa.gov/safewater/publicnotification.


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AnexamplepublicnoticefromtheEPA,highlightingtherequiredelementsofapublicnotice,isincludedinAppendixCandisavailableonEPA’swebsite14.

EPAspecifiesthreepublicnotificationcategories,ortiers.Therequirementsforthetimingofthepublicnoticeandtheformandmannerofitsdeliveryaredeterminedbythetiertowhichtheviolationorsituationisassigned.ThethreetiersofpublicnotificationaresummarizedinTable1.

Theregulationrequiresthewaterutilitytoprovidepublicnoticewithintwenty‐four(24)hoursofaconfirmedTier1violationtoallpersonsservedbythesystem.ThewaterutilityisalsorequiredtoconsultwiththeVDHOfficeofDrinkingWateronthepublicnotice.PublicnoticerequirementsforTier2andTier3violationsarewithinthirty(30)daysandone(1)yearrespectively.

Table1:ThreeTiersofPublicNotification

RequiredDistributionTime NotificationDeliveryMethod

Tier1:ImmediateNotice

Anytimeasituationoccurswherethereisthepotentialforhumanhealthtobeimmediatelyimpacted,watersuppliershave24hourstonotifypeoplewhomaydrinkthewaterofthesituation.

Watersuppliersmustusemediaoutletssuchastelevision,radio,andnewspapers,posttheirnoticeinpublicplaces,orpersonallydeliveranoticetotheircustomersinthesesituations.

Tier2:Noticeassoonaspossible

AnytimeawatersystemprovideswaterwithlevelsofacontaminantthatexceedEPAorstatestandardsorthathasn'tbeentreatedproperly,butthatdoesn'tposeanimmediaterisktohumanhealth,thewatersystemmustnotifyitscustomersassoonaspossible,butwithin30daysoftheviolation.

Noticemaybeprovidedviathemedia,posting,orthroughthemail.

Tier3:AnnualNotice

Whenwatersystemsviolateadrinkingwaterstandardthatdoesnothaveadirectimpactonhumanhealth(ForExample,failingtotakearequiredsampleontime)thewatersupplierhasuptoayeartoprovideanoticeofthissituationtoitscustomers.

TheextratimegiveswatersupplierstheopportunitytoconsolidatethesenoticesandsendthemwithAnnualWaterQualityReports(ConsumerConfidenceReports).

FormoredetailedinformationregardingTier1publicnoticerequirements,refertoChapter5oftheRevisedPublicNotificationHandbook(EPA816‐R‐09‐013,March2010)15and40CFRPart141.Resourcestohelputilitiescomplywithpublicnotificationrequirements,includingtheHandbookandtemplates,areavailableatEPA’s“ComplianceHelp”webpage.16Thepublicnoticeregulationcontainsanappendix17listingeveryviolationandsituationrequiringpublicnoticeandthecorrespondingtier.TheinformationintheappendixissummarizedinTable2.

14http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/publicnotification/upload/2007_04_26_publicnotification_figure_publicnotification_requiredelementsofpnnotice.pdf15 http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/publicnotification/upload/PNrevisedPNHandbookMarch2010.pdf16http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/publicnotification/compliancehelp.cfm17AppendixAtoSubpartQofPart141NPDWRViolationsandOtherSituationsRequiringPublicNotice:http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/publicnotification/upload/2007_04_26_publicnotification_reportruletables_publicnotification_appendiesa‐b.pdf


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Table2:ViolationsandSituationsRequiringPublicNotice

Tier 1 Violations and Other Situations Requiring Notice Within 24 Hours*

Violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total coliform, when fecal coliform or E. coli are present in the water distribution system, or failure to test for fecal coliform or E. coli when any repeat sample tests positive for coliform.

Violation of the MCL for nitrate or nitrite, or when a confirmation sample is not taken within 24 hours of the system’s receipt of the first sample showing exceedance of the nitrate or nitrite MCL.

Exceedance of the nitrate MCL (10 mg/l) by noncommunity water systems (NCWSs), where permitted to exceed the MCL (up to 20 mg/l) by the primacy agency.

Violations of the maximum residual disinfection level (MRDL) for chlorine dioxide when one or more of the samples taken in the distribution system on the day after exceeding the MRDL at the entrance of the distribution system or when required samples are not taken in the distribution system.

Violation of the turbidity MCL of 5 NTU, where the primacy agency determines after consultation that a Tier 1 notice is required or where consultation does not occur in 24 hours after the system learns of violation.

Violation of the treatment technique (TT) requirement resulting from a single exceedance of the maximum allowable turbidity limit, where the primacy agency determines after consultation that a Tier 1 notice is required or where consultation does not take place in 24 hours after the system learns of violation.

Occurrence of a waterborne disease outbreak, as defined in 40 CFR 141.2, or other waterborne emergency.

Detection of E. coli, enterococci, or coliphage in a ground water source sample.

Other violations or situations with significant potential for serious adverse effects on human health as a result of short term exposure, as determined by the primacy agency either in its regulations or on a case‐by‐case basis.

*If your system has any of these violations or situations, in addition to issuing public notice, you must initiate consultation with your primacy agency as soon as practical but within 24 hours after you learn of the violation or situation.

Tier 2 Violations and Other Situations Requiring Notice Within 30 Days**

All violations of the MCL, MRDL, and TT requirements except where Tier 1 notice is required.

Violations of monitoring requirements where the primacy agency determines that a Tier 2 public notice is required, taking into account potential health impacts and persistence of the violation.

Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of any variance or exemption in place.

For ground water systems providing 4‐log treatment for viruses, failure to maintain required treatment for more than 4 hours.

Failure to take corrective action within the required timeframe or be in compliance with a state‐approved corrective action plan and schedule for a fecal indicator‐positive ground water source sample under the Ground Water Rule.

Failure to take corrective action within the required timeframe or be in compliance with a state‐approved corrective action plan and schedule for a significant deficiency under the Ground Water Rule.

Special public notice for repeated failure to conduct monitoring for Cryptosporidium (40 CFR 141.211).

**If you exceed the maximum allowable turbidity level, as identified in Appendix A to Subpart Q of 40 CFR Part 141, you must consult with your primacy agency as soon as practical but no later than 24 hours after learning of the violation.


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6.4 Fact Sheet Resources

TheNationalPrimaryDrinkingWaterRegulationsprovideprimarystandardstoprotectpublichealthbylimitingcontaminantsindrinkingwater.TheEPAprovidesanalphabeticallistingofregulatedcontaminantswithhyperlinkstodetailedfactsheets:http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm.

Utilitiesmayutilizeotherfactsheetsfortargetedpublicoutreach,dependingonlocalneeds.Additionalfactsheetsmaybecooperativelydevelopedforusebyallpartneragenciesandappendedtothisplan.

6.5 Cross Education

Crosseducationbetweenthewaterutilitiesandthehealthdepartmentsimprovestheunderstandingoftopicsofmutualinterestandhelpsensurepublichealthandsafety.Crosseducationoccursprimarilyduringthesemi‐annualmeetingsoftheDirectorsofUtilitiesCommittee,theHealthDistrictDirectors,andVDH.TheemphasisofcrosseducationwillbeontopicsidentifiedbytheCommitteeasareasthatwillimprovetheagencies’abilitytocommunicatewitheachotherandthepublic,includingtechnicalandregulatoryissues.Theformatfordeliveryofcrosseducationmayvary;agencyrepresentativesmayprovidepresentationsorthegroupmayholdroundtablediscussionsofnewinformationoremergingregulatoryrequirements.Crosseducationmayalsotakeplaceduringspecialmeetingsorseminarsandatvariouslocationsthroughouttheregion.

Table2:ViolationsandSituationsRequiringPublicNotice(continued)

Tier 3 Violations and Other Situations Requiring Notice Within 1 Year

Monitoring violations, except where Tier 1 or Tier 2 notice is required or the primacy agency determines that the violation requires a Tier 2 notice.

Failure to comply with an established testing procedure, except where Tier 1 notice is required or the primacy agency determines that the violation requires a Tier 2 notice.

Operation under a variance granted under section 1415 or exemption granted under section 1416 of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Availability of unregulated contaminant monitoring results.

Exceedance of the secondary maximum contaminant level for fluoride (community water systems only).

Source: EPA Office of Water, Revised Public Notification Handbook (EPA‐816‐R‐09‐013), March 2010 http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/publicnotification/upload/ PNrevisedPNHandbookMarch2010.pdf


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APPENDIX A

WATER QUALITY RESPONSE PLAN EMERGENCY CONTACT L IST

TheHamptonRoadsPlanningDistrictCommission(HRPDC)staffmaintainstheWaterQualityResponsePlanEmergencyContactList,whichincludesthepublicutilities/worksdivisionsandpreventativemedicineunitsatallHamptonRoadsmilitaryinstallations,HamptonRoadsHealthDistricts,VDHOfficesofEpidemiologyandDrinkingWater,HamptonRoadswaterutilities,andstateandfederalemergencyhotlines.TheEmergencyContactListisforofficialuseonlyandisexcludedfromthepubliccopyofthisplan.


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APPENDIX B

VDH GUIDEL INES FOR WATERBORNE I L LNESS

OUTBREAKS

TheVDHdocument“WaterborneIllnessOutbreaks”(June1999)providesguidanceregardingtheprocessforexecutinganepidemiologicalsurveyforsuspectedwaterbornepathogens.Thisdocumentisforusebypublichealthdepartmentsandisexcludedfromthepubliccopyofthisplan.PhonenumbershavebeenupdatedbyHRPDCtoreflectthosecurrentasofJune2013.Formoreinformation,contacttheVirginiaDepartmentofHealth,OfficeofEpidemiology.


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APPENDIX C

REQUIRED ELEMENTS OF A PUBL IC NOTICE

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments of 1996 revised the public notification provisions

to better target notices for serious violations posing a short‐term risk to health and to make the

existing notification process less burdensome and more effective. The most recent version of the

Public Notification Rule can be found at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/publicnotification. EPA has

specific requirements for the format and content of public notices, as well as the manner of

distribution and frequency. An example public notice from the EPA, highlighting the required

elements of a public notice, is included in herein and is available on EPA’s website:

http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/publicnotification/upload/2007_04_26_publicnotific

ation_figure_publicnotification_requiredelementsofpnnotice.pdf.


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DRINKING WATER WARNINGSpringfield water has high levels of nitrate

DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDERSIX MONTHS OLD OR USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA

AVISONO USE EL AGUA PARA PREPARAR ALIMENTOS PARA BEBES

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Hable con alguienque lo entienda bien o llame al teléfono 555-1200 para hablar en español sobre este aviso.

Water sample results received June 22, 1999 showed nitrate levels of 12 milligrams per liter (mg/l). This isabove the nitrate standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), of 10 mg/l. Nitrate in drinking water is aserious health concern for infants less than six months old.

What should I do?DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink water contain-ing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms includeshortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin.Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptomsoccur, seek medical attention immediately.

Water, juice, and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water.Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice. SpringfieldWater Company and the Springfield Health Department are providing free bottled water to families withinfants. Water is available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Health Departmentoffice at the Town Hall. Water will be provided until the nitrate problem is resolved.

Do not boil the water. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level.Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the waterevaporates.

Adults and children older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrate is a concern for infants becausethey can’t process nitrates in the same way adults can). However, if you are pregnant or have specifichealth concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

What happened? What is being done?Nitrate in drinking water can come from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources (including septic systemsand run-off). Levels of nitrate in drinking water can vary throughout the year. We’ll let you know when theamount of nitrate is again below the limit.

We are investigating water treatment and other options. These may include drilling a new well or mixingthe water with low-nitrate water from another source. We anticipate resolving the problem by July 15.

For more information, please contact John Smith of the Springfield Water Company at (602) 555-1212. Thisnotice was prepared and distributed by the Springfield Water Company, 500 Main Street, Springfield.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not havereceived this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do

this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Figure 1: The Required Elements of a Public Notice

1 - Adescriptionof theviolation orsituation

2 - When theviolation orsituationoccurred

3 - Potentialhealth effects

4 - Thepopulationat risk

5 - Whetheralternatewatersuppliesshould beused

10 - Standarddistributionlanguage

9 - Name,phonenumber, andbusinessaddress formoreinformation

8 - When thesystemexpects toreturn tocompliance

7 - Whatis beingdone tocorrecttheviolationorsituation

6 - Actionsconsumersshould take

Informationfor Spanishspeakers

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Appendix C

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Documents

HAMPTON ROADS WATER QUALITY RESPONSE