HARRISBURG — The Environmental Quality Board will begin accepting public comments on a proposal to lower the limit of manganese in surface water in Pennsylvania from 1.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to 0.3 mg/L.
In addition, comments are requested on two alternative points of compliance for meeting the proposed manganese limit — at the point of discharge or at the point of all existing or planned potable water supply withdrawals.
The comment period will be open from July 25 through Sept. 25, 2020. Manganese is a naturally occurring element that is often discharged into Pennsylvania waterways from landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, power plants and abandoned mine drainage.
“In reviewing the effects of manganese on human health, DEP determined that the current standard was not acceptable, and we consulted the latest research data to determine a new standard,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “We believe this standard will protect human health from the neurotoxicological effects of manganese, as well as ensure adequate protection of all water uses.”
The proposed regulation does not change the allowable amount of manganese in drinking water, which is currently 0.05 mg/L.
More information for providing comments is available on the DEP’s webpage.
The board will hold three virtual public hearings for accepting comments as well. The hearings will be held Sept. 8 at 2 p.m., Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 10 at 2 p.m.
Persons wishing to present testimony at a hearing must contact Jennifer Swan for the Department and the Environmental Quality Board, (717) 783-8727 or RA-EPEQB@pa.govat least 24 hours in advance of the hearing to reserve a time to present testimony. Organizations are limited to designating one witness to present testimony on their behalf at only one hearing.
Verbal testimony is limited to 5 minutes for each witness. Video demonstrations and screen sharing by witnesses will not be permitted.
Witnesses are requested to submit written copy of their verbal testimony by e-mail to RegComments@pa.gov after providing testimony at the hearing.
Information on how to access the hearings will be available on the Board’s webpage found through the Public Participation tab on the Department of Environmental Protection’s web site at www.dep.pa.gov (select “Public Participation,” then “Environmental Quality Board”). Prior to each hearing, individuals are encouraged to visit the Board’s webpage for the most current information for accessing each hearing.
Any members of the public wishing to observe the public hearing without providing testimony are also directed to access the Board’s webpage. Those who have not registered with Swan in advance as described previously will remain muted for the duration of the public hearing.
