In the Main - A technical assistance newsletter for Public Water Suppliers
August 2009

By Fred Barker, P.E.

As an aid to consultants and public water systems, MassDEP has developed a chemical checklist form as a reminder of which chemical design parameters from the Guidelines, http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/policies.htm, to include in the plans and specifications. It is hoped that this checklist will remind the consultants of all the "must includes" in the chemical plans and specs submitted for review and approval. These checklists would apply to all public water systems (TNC, NTNC, or COM) regardless of size, and one complete checklist is required for each separate chemical application point.

The chemical checklist would be submitted with the appropriate MassDEP permit form (BRP WS 23A, BRP WS 23B, BRP WS 23C, BRP WS 24, BRP WS 25, BRP WS 29, or BRP WS 34). It is hoped that this checklist will standardize approval across all 4 MassDEP regions.

The questions are worded so the answer should be marked "yes", "no" or "N.A." (not applicable). Any questions answered "no" or "N.A" requires a brief explanation why the consultant feels the question does not apply. It is estimated the consultant should be able to complete the checklist in 2 hours or less as just about every question can be answered from the consultant's memory of the proposed project.

The first two checklists developed covered the two most popular submittals, caustics (sodium hydroxide - NaOH and potassium hydroxide - KOH) and hypochlorites (sodium hypochlorite-NaOCl and calcium hypochlorite - Ca(OCl)₂. Other chemical checklists planned include chlorine gas, alum, sodium fluoride, etc.

MassDEP drinking water guideline's Introduction, Chapter 5 (Treatment), Chapter 6 (Chemical Application), and Chapter 7 (Pump Stations) were recently updated in late spring 2009 to reflect the current 2007 edition of the 10-States' Standards. Each checklist contains over 100 questions as MassDEP has scores of requirements in the various chapters of the guidelines.

An example from the caustic checklist is: "Are provisions made for measuring the daily net quantities of chemicals used in milliliters, gallons, or pounds?" The answer should be checked "yes" as MassDEP requires monthly summary reporting of the amount of caustic used daily.

An example from the hypochlorite checklist is: "Are chemical feed rates proportioned or automatically flow paced to water flow?" The answer should be checked "yes" as revised guidelines now require it. If the question was marked "no" or "N.A.", then the consultant would have to explain why it was not necessary as maybe there was no working master flow meter available. Then MassDEP would have to make a decision on whether or not to grant a waiver.

The completed checklist would be certified by the MA registered professional engineer's signature and stamp as well as the signature of the water system's representative as some questions are best answered by that person.

Any checklist questions may be directed to the contacts below:

NERO - Nick Zessoules, 978-694-3230 or nicholas.zessoules@state.ma.us
SERO - Mike Quink, 508-946-2766 or michael.quink@state.ma.us
CERO - Purna Rao, 508-767-2784 or purnachander.rao@state.ma.us
WERO - Mike McGrath, 413-755-2202 or michael.mcgrath@state.ma.us
Boston - Chet Masel, 617-654-6531 or chester.masel@state.ma.us
Boston - Fred Barker, 617-292-5866 or frederick.barker@state.ma.us

 

In The Main index

Maintaining Consistency & Credibility

Is SRF Financing for You?

In Brief: Drinking Water Operator Licenses Expire; Preparation Materials for Exams; Massachusetts Receives State Fluoridation Quality Award; Staff Spotlight: Melissa Privetera

Self Assess Your Emergency Response

Ground Water Rule Questions & Answers

Financial Assistance for Local Water Conservation

MWWA Meeting & Education Seminars

Consultant's Chemical Checklist

Patrick Administration Honors 25 Public Water Systems

Changes to the Total Coliform Rule