Transcript No Slide Title

Colorado Radionuclide Abatement and
Disposal Strategy
(CO-RADS)
A compliance assistance project
sponsored by:
Water Quality Control Division
Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment
Outline
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2
Radionuclides 101
MCL’s and EPA Risk Assessment
CO-RADS Project Background
CO-RADS Project Details
Discussion / Brainstorming Session
Radionuclides: What Are They and
How Are They Formed?
 Occur naturally as trace elements in rocks/soils due to
radioactive decay of uranium and thorium
 As radioactive atoms release or emit energy, decay occurs and
the radioactive atom transforms into a new atom
 Emission Types:
• Alpha particles (2 protons and 2 neutrons bound together)
• Beta particles (electron)
• Gamma rays (light ray)
 Notable products of uranium and thorium decay
• Radon-222
• Radium-226 and -228
• Uranium-238 and -234
 Most commonly found in groundwater
 Manmade radionuclides not a concern in Colorado
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Simplified Decay Series
Uranium-238 decay
series (radium series)
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Thorium-232 decay
series (radium series)
Uranium-235 decay
series (radium series)
Uranium-238
Thorium-232
Uranium-235
Uranium-234
Radium-228
Thorium-231
Thorium-230
Thorium-228
Radium-223
Radium-226
Radium-224
Radon-219
Radon-222
Radon-220
Lead-207
Lead-206
Lead-208
Radionuclide Primary Drinking Water
Maximum Contaminant Levels
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Contaminant
Current MCL
MCLG
Drinking
Water Health
Effects
Sources
Best Available Technology
(BAT)
Combined
Radium 226
and 228
5 pCi/L
Zero
Bone
Cancer
Naturally
occurring
Ion exchange
Lime softening
Reverse osmosis
Uranium
30 ug/L
Zero
Kidney
toxicity,
Bladder
cancer
Naturally
occurring
Coagulation/filtration
Anion exchange
Lime softening
Reverse osmosis
Adjust gross
alpha emitters
15 pCi/L
Zero
Cancer
Naturally
occurring and
manmade
Reverse osmosis
Gross beta
and photon
emitters
4 mrem/yr
Zero
Cancer
Naturally
occurring and
manmade
Ion exchange
Reverse osmosis
Risk Assessment
 Maximum Contaminant Levels based on lifetime
increased cancer risk of approx. 1 in 10,000
 Lifetime consumption = 2 Liters/day for 70 years
 Linear No Threshold dose-response model
Risk Coefficients
Morbidity
Mortality
Lifetime risk values at MCL
Morbidity
Mortality
Radium 226 + 228
1.83 × 10-10
1.14 ×10-10
2.05 x 10-4
1.45 x 10-4
Uranium
Gross Alpha
8.03 × 10-10
6.81 × 10-11
5.66 × 10-10
4.40 × 10-11
0.94 x 10-4
6.15 x 10-4
0.61 x 10-4
0.87 x 10-4
Project Background
Historical Perspective
 Rule applies to all Community Water
Systems
 Gross alpha and radium standard
effective 1976
 Uranium Standard and revised radium
monitoring effective in 2003
Project Background
Historical Perspective
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36 systems currently in violation
20 open enforcement orders
Treatment options are available
Waste disposal is complex and
expensive
 Worker safety and licensing may be
required
 Limited guidance previously available
Colorado Water Systems with Radionuclide Violations
CO-STAR
NAME OF SYSTEM
CORADS
Town Of Two Buttes
Town Of Vilas
Town Of Kit Carson
X
Tv Hills Subdivision
X
Camelot Subdivision
X
Turkey Canon Ranch WD
X
Antelope Hills HOA
X
Hidden Valley Mutual WC
Mountain WSD
X
Park Water Company
X
Sheridan Lake WC
X
Harvest House
Model WA
Town Of Merino
X
Town Of Sterling
X
Pagel's Trailer Park
Town Of Hillrose
Wayward Wind MHP & CG
X
East End WUA
Eureka WC
X
Fayette WC
X
Hancock WA
X
Hillside Trailer Park
X
Holbrook Center Soft WA
North Holbrook WC
X
Patterson Valley WC
X
South Swink WC
X
Town Of Swink
X
Valley WC
X
Vroman WC
X
Redhill Forest POWACA
X
May Valley WC
X
Town Of Wiley
X
Mountain Shadows ME
X
Alpine Village MHP
Whispering Pines MHP
X
36 Total Systems in Violation
COUNTY OWNER
Baca
Local Govt
Baca
Local Govt
Cheyenne Local Govt
Custer
Private
El Paso
Private
El Paso
Private
Gunnison Private
Jefferson
Private
Jefferson
Quasi-Govt
Jefferson
Private
Kiowa
Private
Larimer
Private
Las Animas Private
Logan
Local Govt
Logan
Local Govt
Morgan
Private
Morgan
Local Govt
Morgan
Private
Otero
Private
Otero
Private
Otero
Private
Otero
Private
Otero
Private
Otero
Private
Otero
Private
Otero
Private
Otero
Private
Otero
Local Govt
Otero
Private
Otero
Private
Park
Private
Prowers
Private
Prowers
Local Govt
Pueblo
Private
Teller
Private
Teller
Private
POP.
58
147
300
50
38
75
350
155
900
100
80
40
27
235
13,724
300
315
300
70
498
75
100
21
51
75
120
600
696
270
125
125
1,500
468
100
80
40
22,208
CITED VIOLATIONS
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined)
Uranium
Uranium
Radium (Combined)
Uranium and Gross Alpha
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined)
Uranium and Gross Alpha
Gross Alpha
Uranium
Uranium
Radium (Combined)
Uranium
Uranium
Uranium
Uranium
Uranium
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined) and Gross
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined) and Gross
Radium (Combined) and Gross
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined) and Gross
Radium (Combined) and Gross
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined) and Gross
Radium (Combined) and Gross
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined)
Radium (Combined)
Total Population Affected
Alpha
Alpha
Alpha
Alpha
Alpha
Alpha
Alpha
Conc.
10-12
5-7
35-50
25-40
7-8
34-40
80-10
4-6
4-200*
15-30
35-40
30-60
0-25
50-60
25-50
20-100
27-35
35-50
4-6
13-15
15-17
11-16
18-20
8-11
9-10
20-25
13-20
6-7
11-16
12-15
0-16
2-30
4-6
7-9
7-9
8-11
VIOLATION DATE
pCi/L
05/13/05
pCi/L
02/21/08
ug/L
02/13/07
ug/L
02/15/05
pCi/L
02/21/08
ug/L U
09/01/06
pCi/L
02/13/07
pCi/L
02/21/08
ug/L
05/13/05
pCi/L
12/20/00
ug/L
02/13/07
ug/L
02/21/08
pCi/L **
12/30/03
ug/L
06/26/07
ug/L *
01/11/08
ug/L *
02/15/05
ug/L
05/20/05
ug/L
02/13/07
pCi/L
07/07/05
pCi/L Ra
11/03/97
pCi/L
02/10/04
pCi/L Ra
12/31/03
pCi/L Ra
02/31/97
pCi/L
02/21/08
pCi/L
05/13/05
pCi/L Ra
09/05/97
pCi/L Ra
09/26/97
pCi/L
02/13/07
pCi/L
12/30/03
pCi/L
02/22/01
pCi/L **
05/13/05
pCi/L *
11/09/00
pCi/L Ra
11/09/00
pCi/L
12/20/00
pCi/L
02/21/08
pCi/L
02/21/08
* multiple wells
CO-RADS Participants not in Violation
NAME OF SYSTEM
Las Animas, City of
Larkspur, Town of
Blue Mountain WD
Buffalo Park Development
Manzanola, Town of
Holly Town, of
Aspen Park MD
COUNTY OWNER
Bent
Local Govt
Douglas Local Govt
Jefferson Private
Jefferson Private
Otero
Local Govt
Prowers Local Govt
Jefferson Private
Total Population
POP.
2,758
375
300
792
500
1,722
125
6,572
Project Background
Recent Efforts
 In Feb 2007, the Department issued:
Interim Policy and Guidance Pending Rulemaking for Control
and Disposition of Technologically Enhanced Naturally
Occurring Radioactive Materials in Colorado
“TENORM Manual” for short, available at:
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/wq/DrinkingWater/pdf/TENORM/Fi
nalPDFMaster.pdf
 Division has gained more resources
and is in a position to assist
 Radionuclide compliance is a high priority for
new resource allocation
Project Background
 CDPHE launched CO-RADS in 2007
Colorado Radionuclide Abatement and Disposal Strategy
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Project Background
 CO-RADS Overview
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Phase 1 – Identify Affected Systems
Phase 2 – Source Water Characterization
Phase 3 – Treatment and Waste Disposal Evaluations
Phase 4 – Financial and Compliance Assistance
Phase 5 – Implementation Assistance
 Target completion date December 31, 2009
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Project Overview
Basic Approach
 Project is designed to find practical solutions for
radionuclide violations
 Sponsored by the Water Quality Control Division
 Funding will come primarily from Federal dollars
 Participation is optional
and at no cost to systems
Phase 1: Identify Potential Participants
Participant Recruitment
 Internal Data Review
 Identify systems affected by
radionuclides
 Contact systems
 Host local meetings
 Recruit systems
 33 systems are participating
Phase 1: Identify Potential Participants
Service Procurement
 Later phases will use contracted services
 Contractor selection
 WQCD posted a Request for Proposal
 5 bids received
 Selected firm:
Malcolm Pirnie in conjunction with
Colorado School of Mines
 Contract was approved August 24, 2007
Phase 2: Source Water Sampling
Water System Source Sampling
 Sampling was performed at each system to
provide data for engineering evaluations
 Sampling plan was developed by Malcolm Pirnie
in conjunction with WQCD
 Sampling will include:
 Radionuclides:
 Other constituents affecting treatment:
Fe, Mn, pH, Alk, Ca, TDS, SO4, etc.
 Source water variability
Phase 2: Source Water Sampling
Onsite Evaluations
 Additional information gathered while onsite
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Solicited input from the system
Records and data review
User demands and well production capacities
Growth trends
Financial status and user rates
Current system infrastructure and condition
 Information will be used to develop engineering
reports for each system
Phase 3: Engineering Evaluations
Phase 3 Overview
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Desktop Treatment Evaluations
Waste Handling and Disposal Options
Pilot Studies
Interim Measures Investigation
Residuals Management Plan Template
Final report to systems
Phase 3: Engineering Evaluations
Treatment Evaluations
 System specific evaluations will be performed for
all participating systems
 Desktop analysis
 Will be based upon raw water data and onsite
information collected in Phase 2
 Will be done with input from the Division’s
Engineering Section
Phase 3: Engineering Evaluations
Treatment Evaluations
 Options that will be evaluated
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Non-treatment (new source, blending, etc.)
Ion exchange
Reverse osmosis
POU/POE
Proprietary systems, to extent possible (WRT, Virotec)
Other innovative technologies (lime softening, HMO,
barium co-precipitation etc.)
Phase 3: Engineering Evaluations
Waste Handling and Disposal Evaluations
 Theoretical prediction of wastes
 Intermediate processing of waste
 Review of disposal options and receiving
facilities
 Identification of licensing requirements
 Design recommendations
 General cost information
Phase 3: Engineering Evaluations
Waste Handling and Disposal Evaluations
 Waste handling falls under many jurisdictions
 Requires coordination with multiple agencies:
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Engineering Section
Wastewater Permits Section
Solid Waste Unit
Radiation Management Unit
Laboratory Services Division
Phase 3: Engineering Evaluations
Pilot Studies
 Representative source waters have been
selected for bench and pilot studies
 Will be performed by the School of Mines
 Finished water and waste content will be
compared to theoretical predictions
 Information will be used to support
treatment designs
Phase 3: Engineering Evaluations
Interim Measures Investigation
 Evaluation of potential interim measures
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Public education
Bottled water recommendation
Water system providing bottled water
Point-of-use devices
 WQCD working on policy regarding required
interim measures based on radionuclide
levels and time to achieve compliance
 Arkansas Valley Conduit Project
Phase 3: Engineering Evaluations
Final Report
 Individual report for each system
 Will contain design information:
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Analysis of alternatives
Recommended compliance options
Preliminary design criteria
Capital cost estimates
Life cycle cost estimates including capital,
operating, and disposal costs
 Will be developed to satisfy PER
requirements for State Revolving Fund Loans
Phase 4: Compliance Assistance
Financial Planning
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Identify funding options
WQCD Capacity Coaches
Assistance preparing grant and loan applications
Challenges associated with funding privately
owned water systems
Phase 4: Compliance Assistance
Capacity Development
 Capacity = Capabilities
 Increase technical, managerial, and financial
capabilities of systems
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Operator training
Development of SOP’s
Updating/revising water rate structures
O & M (including waste disposal) budgeting
 Encourage regionalization efforts
Phase 4: Compliance Assistance
Public Outreach
 Public support will be critical to the success of a
system’s project
 Department workgroup established
 Multi agency effort:
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Water Quality Control Division
Office of Local Liaison
Comprehensive Cancer Prevention Program
Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology
 Evaluate cancer occurrence and other health
statistics in affected areas
 Begin to develop public outreach campaign
Phase 4: Compliance Assistance
Public Outreach
 Opportunity for additional partnerships and
collaboration with local health agencies
 Developing appropriate message
 Disseminating information to the public
 Other possibilities?
 WQCD hopes to develop a relationship with
CDEH and other local health agency
organizations to help accomplish mutual goals
 Dissemination of information
 Improved public and environmental health
Phase 5: Implementation
Phase 5 Overview
 Division will provide technical assistance
to help systems select an appropriate
compliance option
 Funding application and plans and
specification reviews
 Operator certification compliance
Project Overview
Project Timeline
CO-RADS Project Credits
Rads Systems of Concern Team
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Jon DeBoer
Jon Erickson
Glenn Bodnar
Ron Falco
Cathy Heald
Dave Knope
Paul Kosik
Jeff Lawrence
Jackie Whelan
Carolyn Schachterle
Sharon Williams
Additional Support
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Tom Armitage
Gene Bissett
Donna Davis
Jorge Delgado
Heather Drissel
Phil Egidi
Faith Erickson
James Grice
Charles Johnson
Brad Simons
Joey Talbott
Steve Tarlton
Discussion / Brainstorm
Jon Erickson
Drinking Water Engineer,
Water Quality Control Division, CDPHE
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, B2
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-692-3593
Email: [email protected]
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