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Support USEPA’s Pathogen Equivalency Committee
Importance of the Committee’s mission to regulators and regulated community was called out as a high priority in the July, 2002 NRC report as well as by all the states in a recent OIG Report. All requested that the PEC be given the resources needed to do an acceptable job, as its responsibilities are increased. EPA agreed to do this in their December 31, 2003 response to the NRC.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created the Pathogen Equivalency Committee (PEC) in 1985 to make recommendations to EPA and State management on applications for PSRP (Process to Significantly Reduce Pathogens) and PFRP (Process to Further Reduce Pathogens) equivalency under Part 257 and later Part 503. Its members also provide guidance to applicants on the data necessary to determine equivalency, and to permitting authorities and members of the regulated community on issues related to meeting the Subpart D (pathogen and vector attraction reduction) requirements of Part 503. The PEC consists of ten members with expertise in bacteriology, virology, parasitology, wastewater engineering, medical and veterinarian sciences, statistics, and sludge regulations.
The PEC will hold a two day retreat at a local state park in late spring or during the summer to update its membership on emerging pathogens, analytical methods, disinfection techniques, risk assessment, preparation of quality assurance project plans, and expected application and evaluation procedures. Work is nearing completion on development of an equivalency application kit, and simultaneously the PEC is working with Agency Worldwide Web specialists to post on the Science Advisor’s Web site the application kit and other materials relative to working with the PEC.
Numerous technologies are in different stages of receiving a recommendation from the PEC of PFRP equivalency. Detailed information on these technologies will be assembled for development of an Emerging Disinfection (Class A/PFRP) Technologies Report.
Contact: Jim Smith, 513/569-7355, (EIMS #117983)