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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 02-1186a

[32 Pa.B. 3276]

[Continued from previous Web Page]

Regulation Being
Considered
Proposed Date
of Promulgation
Need and Legal Basis for Action Agency Contact
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Stream Redesignations--
Oysterville Creek, et al.
Clean Streams Law
February 2003 as final This stream redesignation package includes six streams or segments that were evaluated for redesignation as HQ or Exceptional Value (EV) Waters. Oysterville Creek and a portion of the West Branch Perkiomen Creek (Berks Co.) were petitioned by the Berks County Conservancy and District Township. Two private citizens submitted a rulemaking petition for Trout Run (York Co.). Another private citizen petitioned for the redesignation of an unnamed tributary to Chester Creek (Delaware Co.). Rambo Run (York Co.) was evaluated in response to a request from the PFBC. The lower reaches of Cove Creek (Bedford Co.), previously petitioned by Friends of Cove Creek, was restudied based on DEP's recent change to the Percent Dominant Taxon biological metric used in HQ/EV evaluations. A 45-day public comment period on the proposal closed on June 18, 2002. However, a public meeting/hearing has been scheduled for August 7 in Topton on the proposed redesignations for Oysterville and West Branch Perkiomen Creeks. Therefore, the public comment period for these two streams has been extended to August 21, 2002. Bonita Moore 717-787-9637
Stream Redesignations--
Brushy Meadow Creek, et al.
Clean Streams Law
February 2003 as proposed This stream redesignation package includes 13 streams or segments that were evaluated for redesignation as Cold Water Fishes (CWF), HQ or EV Waters. Brushy Meadow Creek in Northampton County was evaluated due to a request from DEP's Northeast Regional Office and the PFBC. Crum Creek in Chester and Delaware Counties, Frya Run in Northampton County, and Green Lick Run in Fayette County were evaluated as a result of petitions. Hay Creek in Berks County was evaluated due to public concern following a 1999 final rulemaking that resulted in an EV designation in portions of Hay Creek. The Little Juniata River in Blair and Huntingdon Counties and Spring Creek in Dauphin County were evaluated due to a request from DEP's Southcentral Regional Office. Pine Creek in Crawford and Warren Counties and Dunbar Creek in Fayette County were evaluated due to requests from the PFBC. In addition, four streams not currently listed in Chapter 93 were evaluated to determine proper use designations. A 45-day public comment period will be recommended. Bonita Moore 717-787-9637
Stream Redesignations--
Class A Wild Trout Streams
Clean Streams Law
July 2002 as final Nearly 70 streams were evaluated in response to a request from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) under Section 93.4b of DEP's antidegradation regulations, which includes in subsection (a)(2)(ii) that a surface water designated as a Class A wild trout stream by the PFBC following public notice and comment qualifies for High Quality (HQ) designation. DEP independently reviewed the trout biomass data in the PFBC reports for these streams to ensure that the Class A criteria were met. A 45-day public comment period on the proposed rulemaking closed January 22, 2002. Bob Frey 717-787-9637
Chapter 93--Great Lakes Initiative (GLI)
Federal Clean Water Act
September 2002 as final The amendment to Section 93.8a(j) (relating to requirements for the Great Lakes System) consists of the elimination of the words ''except Subpart C'' in the current GLI to provide consistency with the federal guidance promulgated by USEPA on November 15, 2000, for the Great Lakes System. The proposed rulemaking will provide greater protection for the Great Lakes System by eliminating the use of mixing areas for discharges of toxic and persistent chemicals knows as bioaccumulative chemicals of concern (BCCs). Examples of BCCs are mercury, PCBs and dioxin. The proposed rulemaking was published on January 26, 2002, with a 45-day public comment period that closed on March 12, 2002. The Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) reviewed the draft final rulemaking on May 8, 2002. Carol Young 717-787-9637
Chapter 96--Water Quality Standards Implementation
Clean Streams Law
September 2002 as final Chapter 96 is being amended to make the application of the sulfate and chloride criteria consistent with that already provided for total dissolved solids, nitrate, phenol and fluoride under Section 96.3(d). The proposed rulemaking was published on January 26, 2002, with a 45-day public comment period that closed on March 12, 2002. A public hearing was held February 26 in Harrisburg. WRAC reviewed the draft final rulemaking on May 8, 2002. Carol Young 717-787-9637
Radionuclides Rule
Safe Drinking Water Act
November 2002 as proposed This proposal will amend Chapter 109 to incorporate the provisions of the recently-published federal Radionuclides Rule, which establishes a new Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for uranium and retains the current existing MCLs for gross alpha, combined radium-226/228 and beta and photon activity and establishes new monitoring requirements. The Radionuclides Rule applies to community water systems and does not include radon. WRAC and the Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board (TAC) will review drafts of the proposed amendments. A 30-day public comment period will be recommended. John Wroblewski 717-772-4018
Arsenic Rule
Safe Drinking Water Act
November 2002 as proposed This proposal will lower the MCL for arsenic from 0.05 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L at public water systems in order to eliminate or minimize the harmful health effects that are caused by arsenic. The proposed Arsenic Rule will affect all community water systems (approximately 2,190) and nontransient noncommunity water systems (approximately 1,280) in Pennsylvania. WRAC and TAC will review drafts of the proposed amendments. A 30-day public comment period will be recommended. John Wroblewski 717-772-4018
Filter Backwash Recycling Rule
Safe Drinking Water Act
November 2002 as proposed This proposal will amend Chapter 109 to incorporate the provisions of the recently-promulgated federal Filter Backwash Recycling Rule, which governs the recycling of the filter backwash water within the treatment process of public water systems (PWSs). The Rule will apply to all PWSs that use a surface water source or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, utilize direct or conventional filtration and recycle spent filter backwash water, sludge thickener supernatant or liquids from dewatering processes. WRAC and TAC will review drafts of the proposed amendments. A 30-day public comment period will be recommended. John Wroblewski 717-772-4018
Microbial and Disinfection Byproducts (M/DBP) Corrective Amendments
Safe Drinking Water Act
November 2002 as proposed This proposal will amend various provisions of the recently promulgated Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR) and the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (D/DBPR) for either clarification or to ensure consistency with federal regulations. The IESWTR and the D/DBPR were published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on July 21, 2001. WRAC and TAC will review drafts of the proposed amendments. A 30-day public comment period will be recommended. John Wroblewski 717-772-4018
Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Safe Drinking Water Act
May 2003 as proposed This proposal will amend Chapter 109 to incorporate the provisions of the recently promulgated federal Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. The Rule is intended to improve the control of microbial pathogens at public water systems serving less than 10,000 people that use surface water or ground water under the direct influence of surface water. Key provisions include strengthened combined and individual filter effluent turbidity performance standards, and disinfection benchmark provisions. WRAC and TAC will review drafts of the proposed amendments. A 30-day public comment period will be recommended. Phil Consonery 717-772-2184
Chapter 105--Dam Safety and Waterway Management
Clean Streams Law; Dam Safety and Encroachments Act
July 2003 as proposed Revisions will be proposed to simplify and clarify the regulations, streamline the process for minor wetland encroachments, establish discretion to issue expedited permit decisions during site visits, simplify the application fee schedule, and clarify the Chapters 105 and 106 programs by consolidating rules and procedures for stream channels, floodways and floodplains into one regulation. The Wetlands Protection Advisory Committee (WetPAC) is thoroughly reviewing the issues. The Agricultural Advisory Board (AAB) will also be briefed on developments. Ken Reisinger 717-787-6827
Chapter 245--Storage Tank Amendments
Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act
December 2002 as proposed With the exception of Subchapter D (Corrective Action Process), this proposal represents comprehensive amendments to all other aspects of the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Program provisions of Chapter 245, which was last updated in 1997. The amendments have been identified through implementation of the program over the past five years. In addition, a general review of Chapter 245--which is necessary to obtain state program authorization for the underground storage tank program from the USEPA--occurred in the past year, and this review identified other potential revisions. The Storage Tank Advisory Committee (STAC) is reviewing the draft amendments. Ray Powers 717-772-5551
Amendments to the Hazardous Waste Regulations
Solid Waste Management Act; Clean Streams Law
September 2002 as final This proposal includes minor modifications to the hazardous waste amendments that were finalized on May 1, 1999, to address changes in the federal regulations since that time and for EPA approval as a federally authorized program. The modifications include minor ''housekeeping'' issues such as exceptions to the blanket substitution of DEP for USEPA where the federal authority cannot be delegated to a state. Other changes include correcting typographical errors and adding clarification or consistency in certain sections. A 30-day public comment period on the proposed rulemaking closed on January 14, 2002. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) reviewed the draft final rulemaking. Rick Shipman 717-787-6239
Provisions for the Management of Safe Fill
Solid Waste Management Act; Clean Streams Law; Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act
December 2002 as final This proposal revises Chapter 287 of the residual waste regulations to address the unrestricted use of uncontaminated soil, including rock and stone, as safe fill provided that the soil has not been subject to a spill or release and there are no visible staining, odors or other sensory nuisances associated with the soil. The current definition of ''clean fill'' would be replaced with a new definition for ''safe fill.'' The proposal will also include permit-by-rule requirements allowing restricted use of contaminated soils resulting from urbanization, pesticide use in fruit orchards, historic fill materials and Act 2 remediated soils. The proposed rulemaking was published February 2, 2002, with a 60-day public comment period and 3 public meetings and 3 public hearings. SWAC will review the draft final rulemaking. William Pounds 717-787-7381
Prohibition on Open Burning of Recyclable Materials
Air Pollution Control Act
December 2002 as proposed This proposal will revise the open burning provisions of Section 129.14(c) to prohibit the burning of leaves, yard wastes and other recyclable materials in areas that have curbside recycling programs. The Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee (AQTAC) is reviewing the draft proposal. Terry Black 717-787-9495
Architectural and Industrial Maintenance (AIM) Coatings
Air Pollution Control Act
December 2002 as final This proposal will set specific volatile organic content (VOC) limits in grams/liter for 46 categories of AIM coating and require compliance by January 1, 2005. Compliance with these new limits would be reached through either reformulating products or substituting products with compliant coatings that are currently on the market. A 69-day public comment period on the proposed rulemaking concluded February 22, 2002. AQTAC will review the draft final rulemaking in September 2002. Terry Black 717-787-9495
Portable Fuel Containers
Air Pollution Control Act
July 2002 as final This proposal is part of Pennsylvania's strategy to attain and maintain the one-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. Based on the Ozone Transport Commission rule and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) program, the proposal will control VOC emissions from portable fuel containers by establishing permeability requirements designed to reduce the loss of gasoline through fuel container walls. The proposal also reduces gasoline loss due to spillage by adding ''no-spill'' fill spout requirements. Manufacturers will be responsible for developing and distributing compliant products for sale in Pennsylvania by January 1, 2003. The proposal does not affect portable fuel containers currently in use. A 67-day public comment period on the proposed rulemaking closed January 16, 2002. AQTAC reviewed the draft final rulemaking. Terry Black 717-787-9495
Consumer Products
Air Pollution Control Act
July 2002 as final This proposal is also part of Pennsylvania's strategy to attain and maintain the NAAQS for ozone. This proposal will set specific VOC content limits for approximately 80 consumer product categories, and it will apply more stringent VOC content limits than the Federal rule. The compliance date for the limits would be January 1, 2005. Manufacturers would ensure compliance with the limits by reformulating products and substituting products with compliant products that are currently available. The proposal will include some flexibility options. A 67-day public comment period on the proposed rulemaking closed January 16, 2002. AQTAC reviewed the draft final rulemaking. Terry Black 717-787-9495
Chapter 121, 129 and 145
Small NOx, Stationary Internal Combustion Engines and Cement Kilns
Air Pollution Control Act
September 2002 as proposed This proposal will establish a program to limit NOx emissions from smaller boilers, turbines and stationary internal combustion engines in the southeast portion of Pennsylvania. These controls are needed to attain and maintain the health-based one-hour ozone standard. In addition, the proposal will establish control requirements on a statewide basis for large stationary internal combustion engines and cement kilns. These controls are needed to meet the Commonwealth's remaining obligation to reduce ozone transport throughout the eastern United States. AQTAC is reviewing the draft proposed regulations. A 60-day public comment period and three public hearings will be recommended. Dean Van Orden 717-787-9495
New Source Review
Air Pollution Control Act
Contingent on EPA action The Department's existing new source review (NSR) regulations will be reorganized and reformatted to make the requirements clear to the regulated community and to facilitate the creation and use of emission reduction credits (ERCs). The Department will incorporate proposed changes in the Federal NSR requirements as necessary. Drafts of the proposal will be reviewed by the AQTAC. EPA has proposed in its draft NSR regulations a number of mechanisms related to generation and use of ERCs and the use of an ''area wide'' plant-wide applicability limit (PAL) to address trading issues. The proposed rules were issued in July 1996; however, EPA has not yet issued final rules. With the uncertainty of the nature of the final rules, the Department cannot proceed with revisions of the existing trading regulations until the final EPA rule is promulgated. Terry Black 717-787-9495
Chapter 86--Coal Mining Amendments
Surface Mine Conservation and Reclamation Act
January 2003 as final This proposal adds new Section 86.6 to clarify existing statutory requirements and ensure the regulations are no more stringent than federal requirements. This amendment provides an exemption to the regulatory requirements for coal extraction incidental to federal, state and local government-financed highway construction and reclamation projects. The exemption currently exists in Pennsylvania's Surface Mine Conservation and Reclamation Act. A 45-day public comment period closed on June 18, 2002. The Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board (MRAB) will review the draft final rulemaking in September 2002. Evan Shuster 717-783-9888
Chapter 207--
Underground Noncoal Mines
General Safety Law
September 2002 as final This proposal consolidates the regulatory provisions implementing Section 2(f) of the General Safety Law, which regulates worker safety in noncoal mines, into Chapter 207 (Noncoal Mines). Most of these provisions were promulgated by the Department of Labor and Industry over 30 years ago and are found at Title 34, Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 33. DEP's Chapter 207 addresses the use of explosives at noncoal mines and has not been amended since its adoption in 1972. The amendments address effective safety practices in noncoal mines based on changes in the industry and DEP's administration of the program. The proposal incorporates by reference the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) regulations found at 30 CFR Part 57 and includes provisions to address certification of foremen as well as the licensing and duties of blasters. A 60-day public comment period on the proposed rulemaking closed February 6, 2002. Richard Stickler 724-439-7469
GENERAL SERVICES
Responsibility
4 Pa. Code, Chapter 60
Fall, 2002, as proposed This chapter must be amended to conform with the legislative changes required by Act 57 and to provide for uniform Commonwealth agency debarment and suspension procedures. Gary Ankabrandt (717) 783-1982
Instructions to Bidders
4 Pa. Code, Chapter 61
Fall, 2002, as proposed This chapter has been superseded and should be repealed because such instructions should not be set out in regulatory form. There is a need for flexibility which can be of benefit to the department as well as bidders. Merle H. Ryan (717) 787-7095
General Conditions of the Construction Contract
4 Pa. Code, Chapter 63
Fall, 2002, as proposed See comment for Chapter 61. Merle H. Ryan (717) 787-7095
State Art Commission
4 Pa. Code, Chapter 65
Fall, 2002, as final The legislation creating the State Art Commission was sunsetted. Merle H. Ryan (717) 787-7095
Emergency Construction Repairs
4 Pa. Code, Chapter 67
Fall, 2002, as proposed The regulation should be amended to more accurately reflect present practice and to delete contract provisions. Such provisions should not be in regulatory form and their deletion will serve the same purposed as noted for Chapter 61. Merle H. Ryan (717) 787-7095
Contract Compliance
4 Pa. Code, Chapter 68
Fall, 2002, as proposed Executive Order 1996-8 transferred the contract compliance responsibilities to the Department of General Services Sheri Phillips (717) 783-8720
Methods of Awarding Contracts
4 Pa. Code, Chapter 69
Fall, 2003, as proposed With the enactment of the Commonwealth Procurement Code (Act 57) it is necessary to confirm this chapter with the changes in the law and to address other procurement areas affected by Act 57. Sharon P. Minnich (717) 787-5295
Commonwealth Parking Facilities
4 Pa. Code, Chapter 71
Fall, 2002, as proposed Amendments are required because parking locations have been changed. James W. Martin (717) 783-5028
Commonwealth Automotive Fleet
4 Pa. Code, Chapter 73
Fall, 2002, as proposed The regulation will be amended to eliminate the requirement for a Pennsylvania license to drive a state vehicle and will permit out-of-state-licenses. Sharon P. Minnich (717) 787-5295
Processing Subscriptions and Sales of Pennsylvania Code and Related Publications
4 Pa. Code, Chapter 81
Fall, 2002, as proposed These regulations should be repealed since the Department of General Services' Bureau of Management Services no longer has responsibility for the processing of subscriptions and order for the Pennsylvania Code. Sheri Phillips (717) 783-8720
First Amendment Rights

4 Pa. Code, Chapter 86
Fall, 2002, as proposed The amendment will extend coverage of the statement of policy to the Philadelphia State Office Building, Pittsburgh State Office Building, Scranton State Office Building, and Reading State Office Building Gregory C. Santoro (717) 787-5599
Prequalification
4 Pa. Code, Chapter 60
Fall, 2002, as proposed Under the authority granted in the Commonwealth Procurement Code, the department will initiate prequalification of public works contractors for Commonwealth projects. The regulations will provide factors to be considered in determining whether to prequalify contractors as well as provisions for suspending or revoking prequalification if contractors do not comply with prequalification standards. Jan Matthew Tamanini (717) 787-6789
HEALTH
Testing Blood and Alcohol Specimens Taken From Persons Who Die as a Result of a Vehicle Accident
28 Pa. Code §§ 29.21 and 29.22
October 2002, as proposed. The amendments to existing regulations will update testing procedures and make the regulations consistent with the authorizing statute. Pursuant to the section 3749 of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3749, and Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1981 (71 P. S. § 751-31). Kenneth E. Brody 717-783-2500
Health Facility Licensure--General & Special Hospitals & Health Planning
28 Pa. Code § 301.1 et seq.
28 Pa. Code § 401.1 et seq.
November 2002, as final-omitted. Existing regulations in chapters on health planning (federal program and certificate of need) will be repealed as statutory authority for both chapters has terminated. Pursuant to the Health Care Facilities Act, 35 P. S. §§ 448.101--448.904b. James T. Steele, Jr. 717-783-2500
Reporting of Certain HIV Test Results, CD4 T-Lymphocyte Counts Below a Certain Level, and Perinatal Exposure of Newborns to HIV
28 Pa. Code §§ 27.1--27-2, 27.21--27.22, 27.32, 27.32a--27.32d
July 2002, as final. The amendments to existing regulations will add reporting of certain HIV test results, CD4 T-lymphocyte counts below a certain level, and perinatal exposure of newborns to HIV to the list of diseases, infections and conditions reportable to the Department of Health. The amendments will specify who is required to report these conditions and how the reporting is to be done. The amendments will also require clinical laboratories to report all reportable diseases, infections and conditions to the Department electronically. Pursuant to the Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955, 35 P. S. §§ 521.1--521.21. Yvette M. Kostelac 717-783-2500
Public Bathing Place Lifeguard Requirements
28 Pa. Code § 18.1; § 18.42
October 2002, as proposed. The amendments to existing regulations will provide lifeguard requirements for recreational swimming establishments, and add requirements for lifeguard certification and factors to be considered in determining adequate lifeguard coverage. Pursuant to Act 75 of 1998, amending 35 P. S. §§ 672--680 (the Public Bathing Law). Grace R. Schuyler 717-783-2500
Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC Program)
28 Pa. Code § 1101.1 et seq.
September 2002, as proposed. The amendments to existing regulations will bring the State regulations into compliance with changes in the Federal regulations (7 C.F.R. § 246) published December 29, 2000, relating to vendor selection criteria, training requirements, monitoring requirements and compliance investigations, and the vendor appeals process. Karin Simpson Gutshall 717-783-2500
Health Facility
Licensure/Hospices
28 Pa. Code § 651.1 et seq.
April 2003, as proposed. These new regulations will provide standards for the licensing and regulation of hospices. They will contain health and safety standards as well as standards set forth in Federal regulations for hospices certified as providers under the Medicare Program. Pursuant to Act 95 of 1998, amending the Health Care Facilities Act, 35 P. S. §§ 448.101--448.904b. Karen Kroh 717-787-7425
Hearing Aid Sales and Registration/Continuing Education
28 Pa. Code § 25.201 et seq.
July 2002, as proposed. The amendments to existing regulations will include continuing education requirements for hearing aid fitters, provide for 30-day money back written guarantees on hearing aids, and revise certification fees for consistency with the statute. Pursuant to Act 153 of 1998, amending the Hearing Aid Sales Registration Act, 35 P. S. §§ 6700-101--6700-802. Tanya Leshko 717-783-2500
Narcotic Treatment Standards
28 Pa. Code §§ 701 and 715
September 2002, as final. The amendments to existing regulations will repeal 4 Pa. Code § 263, transfer regulations to Title 28, and amend and update narcotic treatment, including methadone treatment standards. Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act, 71 P. S. §§ 1690-101--1690.115. Keith Fickel 717-783-2500
Prevention Activities
28 Pa. Code §§ 701 and 713
(rescission)
July 2002, as final. Existing regulations imposing standards for approval of drug and alcohol prevention activities will be repealed. Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act, 71 P. S. §§ 1690-101--1690.115. Keith Fickel 717-783-2500
Optometric Drugs
28 Pa. Code § 6.2
July 2002, as final. The amendments to existing regulations will add substances to the list of drugs that may be used by certain optometrists. Pursuant to section 244.2 of the Optometric Practice and Licensure Act, 63 P. S. § 244.2. Keith Fickel 717-783-2500
HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
No regulations being developed or considered at this date.

 

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