Document ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0413-0001
Agency: epa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Expedited Approval of Alternative Test Procedures for the Analysis of Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act; Analysis and Sampling Procedures
Posted Date: 2011-06-24T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 122 (Friday, June 24, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37014-37021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-15629]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 141

[EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0413; FRL-9322-3]

Expedited Approval of Alternative Test Procedures for the 
Analysis of Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act; Analysis 
and Sampling Procedures

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action announces the Environmental Protection Agency's 
(EPA's) approval of alternative testing methods for use in measuring 
the levels of contaminants in drinking water and determining compliance 
with national primary drinking water regulations. The Safe Drinking 
Water Act (SDWA) authorizes EPA to approve the use of alternative 
testing methods through publication in the Federal Register. EPA is 
using this streamlined authority to make 11 additional methods 
available for analyzing drinking water samples required by regulation. 
This expedited approach provides public water systems, laboratories, 
and primacy agencies with more timely access to new measurement 
techniques and greater flexibility in the selection of analytical 
methods, thereby reducing monitoring costs while maintaining public 
health protection.

DATES: This action is effective June 24, 2011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-
4791 or Glynda Smith, Technical Support Center, Standards and Risk 
Management Division, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (MS 
140), Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King 
Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268; telephone number: (513) 569-7652; e-mail 
address: smith.glynda@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    Public water systems are the regulated entities required to measure 
contaminants in drinking water samples. In addition, EPA Regions as 
well as States and Tribal governments with authority to administer the 
regulatory program for public water systems under SDWA may also measure 
contaminants in water samples. When EPA sets a monitoring requirement 
in its national primary drinking water regulations for a given 
contaminant, the Agency also establishes in the regulations 
standardized test procedures for analysis of the contaminant. This 
action makes alternative testing methods available for particular 
drinking water contaminants beyond the testing methods currently 
established in the regulations. EPA is providing public water systems 
required to test water samples with a choice of using either a test 
procedure already established in the existing regulations or an 
alternative test procedure that has been approved in this action or in 
prior expedited approval actions. Categories and entities that may 
ultimately be affected by this action include:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Category                         Examples of potentially regulated entities         NAICS \1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State, Local, & Tribal Governments.........  States, local and tribal governments that analyze            924110
                                              water samples on behalf of public water systems
                                              required to conduct such analysis; States, local and
                                              tribal governments that themselves operate community
                                              and non-transient non-community water systems
                                              required to monitor.
Industry...................................  Private operators of community and non-transient non-        221310
                                              community water systems required to monitor.
Municipalities.............................  Municipal operators of community and non-transient non-      924110
                                              community water systems required to monitor.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ North American Industry Classification System.

    This table is not exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for 
readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this action. This 
table lists the types of entities that EPA is now aware could 
potentially be affected by this action. Other types of entities not 
listed in the table could also be impacted. To determine whether your 
facility is

[[Page 37015]]

affected by this action, you should carefully examine the applicability 
language in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 40 CFR 141.2 
(definition of public water system). If you have questions regarding 
the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the 
person listed in the preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

B. How can I get copies of this document and other related information?

    Docket. EPA established a docket for this action under Docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0413. Publicly available docket materials are 
available either electronically through http://www.regulations.gov or 
in hard copy at the Water Docket in the EPA Docket Center, (EPA/DC) EPA 
West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. 
Copyrighted materials are available only in hard copy. The EPA Docket 
Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the 
Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the 
Water Docket is (202) 566-2426.

Abbreviations and Acronyms Used in This Action

APHA: American Public Health Association
CFR: Code of Federal Regulations
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
NAICS: North American Industry Classification System
NEMI: National Environmental Methods Index
QC: Quality Control
SDWA: Safe Drinking Water Act
VCSB: Voluntary Consensus Standard Bodies

II. Background

A. What is the purpose of this action?

    In this action, EPA is approving 11 analytical methods for 
determining contaminant concentrations in samples collected under SDWA. 
Regulated parties required to sample and monitor may use either the 
testing methods already established in existing regulations or the 
alternative testing methods being approved in this action or in prior 
expedited approval actions. The new methods are listed in Appendix A to 
Subpart C of Part 141 and on EPA's drinking water methods Web site at 
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/drinkingwater/labcert/analyticalmethods_expedited.cfm.
    This action also corrects the entry for dalapon in Appendix A to 
Subpart C of Part 141. In an earlier expedited methods approval action, 
Standard Methods 6640 B and 6640 B-01 were incorrectly listed under the 
same analytical methodology as EPA Method 557 for the determination of 
dalapon in drinking water. This action amends the dalapon entry to 
specify the appropriate methodology for each of these methods.
    This action also revised entries in Appendix A to Subpart C of Part 
141 for arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, calcium, chromium, copper, 
lead, magnesium, nickel, selenium, silica, sodium, iron, manganese, and 
silver to include the footnote citation for EPA Method 200.5, Revision 
4.2.

B. What is the basis for this action?

    When EPA determines that an alternative analytical method is 
``equally effective'' (i.e., as effective as a method that has already 
been promulgated in the regulations), SDWA allows EPA to approve the 
use of the alternative method through publication in the Federal 
Register. (See Section 1401(1) of SDWA.) EPA is using this streamlined 
approval authority to make 11 additional methods available for 
determining contaminant concentrations in samples collected under SDWA. 
EPA has determined that, for each contaminant or group of contaminants 
listed in Section III, the additional testing methods being approved in 
this action are as effective as one or more of the testing methods 
already approved in the regulations for those contaminants. Section 
1401(1) of SDWA states that the newly approved methods ``shall be 
treated as an alternative for public water systems to the quality 
control and testing procedures listed in the regulation.'' Accordingly, 
this action makes these additional (and optional) 11 analytical methods 
legally available for meeting EPA's monitoring requirements.
    This action does not add regulatory language, but does, for 
informational purposes, update an appendix to the regulations at 40 CFR 
Part 141 that lists all methods approved under Section 1401(1) of SDWA. 
Accordingly, while this action is not a rule, it is updating CFR text 
and therefore is being published in the ``Final Rules'' section of the 
Federal Register.

III. Summary of Approvals

    EPA is approving 11 methods that are equally effective relative to 
methods previously promulgated in the regulations. By means of this 
notice, these 11 methods are added to Appendix A to Subpart C of 40 CFR 
Part 141.

A. Methods Developed by Voluntary Consensus Standard Bodies (VCSB)

    1. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater 
(Standard Methods). EPA compared the most recent versions of four 
Standard Methods to earlier versions of those methods that are 
currently approved in 40 CFR 141 and 143. Changes between the earlier 
approved version and the most recent version of each method are 
summarized in Smith (2011). The revisions primarily involve editorial 
changes (i.e., corrections of errors, procedural clarifications, and 
reorganization of text). The revised methods are the same as the 
earlier approved versions with respect to the chemistry, sample 
handling protocols, and method performance data. The new versions are 
thus equally effective relative to those that are currently approved in 
the regulations. Therefore, EPA is approving the use of the four 
updated Standard Methods for the contaminants and their respective 
regulations listed in the following table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Standard method
    Standard method  revised     currently approved        Contaminant                    Regulation
            version                    version
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6651 B, 21st edition (APHA       6651 B, 20th        Glyphosate............  40 CFR 141.24(e)(1).
 2005).                           edition (APHA
                                  1998).
6651 B-00, (APHA 2000).........  6651 B, 20th        Glyphosate............  40 CFR 141.24(e)(1).
                                  edition (APHA
                                  1998).
3114 B-09 (APHA 2009)..........  3114 B-97 (APHA     Arsenic...............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                  1997).
                                                     Selenium..............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
3113 B-04 (APHA 2004)..........  3113 B, 19th        Antimony..............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                  edition (APHA
                                  1995).
                                                     Arsenic...............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                                     Barium................  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                                     Beryllium.............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                                     Cadmium...............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                                     Chromium..............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                                     Copper................  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                                     Lead..................  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).

[[Page 37016]]

 
                                                     Nickel................  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                                     Selenium..............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                                     Aluminum..............  40 CFR 143.4(b).
                                                     Iron..................  40 CFR 143.4(b).
                                                     Manganese.............  40 CFR 143.4(b).
                                                     Silver................  40 CFR 143.4(b).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Two additional Standard Methods, 6640 B, published in the 21st 
edition (APHA 2005), and its identical online version, 6640 B-01 (APHA 
2001), were approved in a previous expedited methods approval action 
for determining dalapon in drinking water (75 FR 32295, June 8, 2010) 
(USEPA 2010). Standard Method 6640 B was developed directly from EPA 
Method 515.4 (USEPA 2000), and thus entails the identical sample 
collection/handling protocols, sample preparation and derivatization 
steps, chromatographic conditions, and detection. The method 
performance data (e.g., detection levels, accuracy and precision) 
specified in Standard Method 6640 B and EPA Method 515.4 are identical. 
In addition to addressing dalapon, EPA Method 515.4 is also an approved 
method for analyzing drinking water compliance samples for 2,4-D, 
2,4,5-TP (i.e., Silvex), dinoseb, pentachlorophenol, and picloram as 
cited at 40 CFR 141.24(e)(1). Therefore, in this action EPA is 
expanding approval of Standard Method 6640 B and Standard Method 6640 
B-01 for determining 2,4-D, 2,4,5-TP (i.e., Silvex), dinoseb, 
pentachlorophenol, and picloram in drinking water. The 21st edition can 
be obtained from the American Public Health Association (APHA), 800 I 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001-3710. Online versions of Standard 
Methods are available at http://www.standardmethods.org.
    2. ASTM International. EPA compared the most recent versions of 
three ASTM International methods to the earlier versions of those 
methods that are currently approved in 40 CFR 141. Changes between the 
earlier approved version and the most recent version of each method are 
summarized in Smith (2011). The revisions primarily involve editorial 
changes (i.e., updated references, definitions, terminology, and 
reorganization of text). The revised methods are the same as the 
approved versions with respect to sample collection and handling 
protocols, sample preparation, analytical methodology, and method 
performance data. In addition, the revised version of the ASTM method 
for the radiochemical determination of uranium (ASTM Method D3972-09) 
expands the QC requirements beyond those required in the previous 
version. EPA has thus determined that the new versions are equally 
effective relative to those currently in the regulations. Therefore, 
EPA is approving the use of the three updated ASTM methods for the 
contaminants and their respective regulations listed in the following 
table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    ASTM approved
      ASTM revised version             version             Contaminant                    Regulation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D1067-06 B (ASTM 2006).........  D1067-02 B (ASTM    Alkalinity............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                  2002a).
D6919-09 (ASTM 2009a)..........  D6919-03 (ASTM      Sodium................  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                  2003).
                                                     Magnesium.............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                                     Calcium...............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
D3972-09 (ASTM 2009b)..........  D3972-02 (ASTM      Uranium...............  40 CFR 141.25(a).
                                  2002b).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ASTM methods are available from ASTM International, 100 Barr 
Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 or http://www.astm.org.

B. Methods Developed by Vendors

    1. Hach Company TNTplusTM 835/836 Nitrate Method 10206 
(Hach Company 2011a). The Hach Company TNTplus 835/836 nitrate method 
10206 uses spectrophotometric analysis to determine nitrate 
concentrations in drinking water. The method involves the following 
steps:
     Electrophilic substitution of the dimethylphenol reagent 
results in a colored nitro-dimethylphenol product, and
     Colorimetric measurement of the absorbance at 345 nm is 
directly proportional to the concentration of the nitrate in the 
sample.
    The currently approved methods for nitrate are listed at 40 CFR 
141.23(k)(1). An inter-laboratory study was conducted by the vendor to 
compare the method performance of the Hach Company TNTplus 835/836 
nitrate method 10206 to the performance of three approved methods: EPA 
Method 353.2 (USEPA 1993a), EPA Method 300.0 (USEPA 1993b), and 
Standard Method 4500-NO3- E (APHA 1998). Three 
laboratories analyzed a variety of matrices (e.g., low ionic strength, 
high ionic strength, and drinking water samples derived from both 
surface water and ground water sources). The samples were analyzed for 
nitrate by running approved methods alongside the Hach Company TNTplus 
835/836 nitrate method 10206. EPA has determined that the Hach Company 
TNTplus 835/836 nitrate method 10206 is as effective as EPA Method 
353.2, EPA Method 300.0, and Standard Method 4500-
NO3- E. The basis for this determination is 
discussed in the validation study report (Hach Company 2010a) which 
summarizes the results obtained from the inter-laboratory study. The 
method is also a ``green'' alternative to approved nitrate methods that 
use the toxic metal, cadmium. Therefore, EPA is approving the Hach 
Company TNTplus 835/836 nitrate method 10206 for determining nitrate 
concentrations in drinking water. The Hach Company TNTplus 835/836 
nitrate method 10206 can be obtained from Hach Company, 5600 Lindbergh 
Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, Colorado 80539, phone: (970) 669-3050.
    2. Hach Company SPADNS 2 (Arsenic-free) Fluoride Method 10225 (Hach 
Company 2011b). The Hach Company SPADNS 2 (Arsenic-free) Fluoride 
Method 10225 uses spectrophotometric analysis to determine fluoride 
concentrations in drinking water. The currently approved method using 
SPADNS chemistry for determining fluoride concentrations, Standard 
Method 4500-F- D (APHA 1998), is listed at 40 CFR 
141.23(k)(1). As described in the approved method,

[[Page 37017]]

the presence of residual chlorine in water is a known interferent and 
the method specifies addition of sodium arsenite to quench the 
chlorine. The Hach Company SPADNS 2 (Arsenic-free) Fluoride Method 
10225 replaces sodium arsenite with a proprietary non-toxic, non-
hazardous chlorine scavenger. An inter-laboratory study was conducted 
by the vendor to compare the method performance of the Hach Company 
SPADNS 2 (Arsenic-free) Fluoride method 10225 to the performance of the 
approved SPADNS method. Three laboratories analyzed a variety of 
matrices (e.g., low ionic strength, high ionic strength, distilled and 
undistilled chlorinated drinking water samples derived from both 
surface water and ground water sources). The samples were analyzed for 
fluoride by running the approved method alongside the Hach Company 
SPADNS 2 (Arsenic-free) Fluoride Method 10225. EPA has determined that 
the Hach Company SPADNS 2 (Arsenic-free) Fluoride Method 10225 is as 
effective as Standard Method 4500-F- D. The basis for this 
determination is discussed in the validation study report (Hach Company 
2010b) which summarizes the results obtained from the inter-laboratory 
study. Therefore, EPA is approving the Hach Company SPADNS 2 (Arsenic-
free) Fluoride Method 10225 for determining fluoride concentrations in 
drinking water. The Hach Company SPADNS (Arsenic-free) Fluoride Method 
10225 can be obtained from Hach Company, 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 
389, Loveland, Colorado 80539, phone: (800) 227-4224.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    As noted in Section II, under the terms of SDWA Section 1401(1), 
this streamlined method approval action is not a rule. Accordingly, the 
Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, does not apply 
because this action is not a rule for purposes of 5 U.S.C. 804(3). 
Similarly, this action is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
because it is not subject to notice and comment requirements under the 
Administrative Procedure Act or any other statute. In addition, because 
this approval action is not a rule but simply makes alternative 
(optional) testing methods available for monitoring under SDWA, EPA has 
concluded that other statutes and executive orders generally applicable 
to rulemaking do not apply to this approval action.

V. References

American Public Health Association (APHA). 1995. 19th Edition of 
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 
American Public Health Association, 800 I Street, NW., Washington, 
DC 20001-3710.
American Public Health Association (APHA). 1997. Standard Method 
3114 B-97. Arsenic and Selenium by Hydride Generation/Atomic 
Absorption Spectrometry. Manual Hydride Generation/Atomic 
Spectrometric Method. Approved by Standard Methods Committee 1997. 
Standard Methods Online. (Available at http://www.standardmethods.org.)
American Public Health Association (APHA). 1998. 20th Edition of 
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 
American Public Health Association, 800 I Street, NW., Washington, 
DC 20001-3710.
American Public Health Association (APHA). 2000. Standard Method 
6651 B-00. Glyphosate Herbicide. Liquid Chromatographic Post-Column 
Fluorescence Method. Approved by Standard Methods Committee 2000. 
Standard Methods Online. (Available at http://www.standardmethods.org.)
American Public Health Association (APHA). 2001. Standard Method 
6640 B-01. Acidic Herbicide Compounds. Micro Liquid-Liquid 
Extraction Gas Chromatographic Method. Approved by Standard Methods 
Committee 2001. Standard Methods Online. (Available at http://www.standardmethods.org.)
American Public Health Association (APHA). 2004. Standard Method 
3113 B-04. Metals by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. 
Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Method. Approved by 
Standard Methods Committee 2004. Standard Methods Online. (Available 
at http://www.standardmethods.org.)
American Public Health Association (APHA). 2005. 21st Edition of 
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 
American Public Health Association, 800 I Street, NW., Washington, 
DC 20001-3710.
American Public Health Association (APHA). 2009. Standard Method 
3114 B-09. Arsenic and Selenium by Hydride Generation/Atomic 
Absorption Spectrometry. Manual Hydride Generation/Atomic Absorption 
Spectrometric Method. Approved by Standard Methods Committee 2009. 
Standard Methods Online. (Available at http://www.standardmethods.org.)
ASTM International. 2002a. ASTM D 1067-02 B. Standard Test Methods 
for Acidity or Alkalinity of Water. Method B--Electrometric or 
Color-Change Titration. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, 
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2002b. ASTM D 3972-02. Standard Test Method for 
Isotopic Uranium in Water by Radiochemistry. ASTM International, 100 
Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at 
http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2003. ASTM D 6919-03. Standard Test Method for 
Determination of Dissolved Alkali and Alkaline Earth Cations and 
Ammonium in Water and Wastewater by Ion Chromatography. ASTM 
International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-
2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2006. ASTM D 1067-06 B. Standard Test Methods 
for Acidity or Alkalinity of Water. Method B--Electrometric or 
Color-Change Titration. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, 
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2009a. ASTM D 6919-09. Standard Test Method for 
Determination of Dissolved Alkali and Alkaline Earth Cations and 
Ammonium in Water and Wastewater by Ion Chromatography. ASTM 
International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-
2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2009b. ASTM D 3972-09. Standard Test Method for 
Isotopic Uranium in Water by Radiochemistry. ASTM International, 100 
Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at 
http://www.astm.org.)
Hach Company. 2010a. ATP evaluation of the Hach Company TNTplus 835/
836 Spectrometric Method for Measurement of Nitrate. November 2010. 
5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, Colorado 80539.
Hach Company. 2010b. ATP evaluation of the Hach Company SPADNS 2 
(Arsenic-free) Spectrophotometric Method for Measurement of 
Fluoride. August 2010. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, 
Colorado 80539.
Hach Company. 2011a. Hach Company TNTplusTM 835/836 
Nitrate Method 10206--Spectrophotometric Measurement of Nitrate in 
Water and Wastewater. January 2011. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 
389, Loveland, Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
Hach Company. 2011b. Hach Company SPADNS 2 (Arsenic-free) Fluoride 
Method 10225--Spectrophotometric Measurement of Fluoride in Water 
and Wastewater. January 2011. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, 
Loveland, Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
Smith, G. 2011. Memo to the record describing basis for expedited 
approval of updated methods from Standard Methods and ASTM 
International. February 01, 2011.
USEPA. 1993a. EPA Method 353.2, Revision 2.0, Determination of 
Nitrate-Nitrite Nitrogen by Automated Colorimetry, August 1993. 
(Available through NEMI at https://www.nemi.gov/apex/f?p=237:1:1657930759454130.)
USEPA. 1993b. EPA Method 300.0, Revision 2.1. Determination of 
Inorganic Anions by Ion Chromatography. August 1993. (Available 
through NEMI at https://www.nemi.gov/apex/f?p=237:1:1657930759454130.)

[[Page 37018]]

USEPA. 2000. EPA Method 515.4, Determination of Chlorinated Acids in 
Drinking Water by Liquid-Liquid Extraction, Derivatization, and Fast 
Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detection, EPA 815-B-00-
001, April 2000. (Available at http://water.epa.gov/scitech/drinkingwater/labcert/analyticalmethods_ogwdw.cfm.)
USEPA. 2010. Expedited Approval of Alternative Test Procedures for 
the Analysis of Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act; 
Analysis and Sampling Procedures. 75 FR 32295. June 8, 2010.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 141

    Chemicals, Environmental protection, Indians--lands, 
Intergovernmental relations, Radiation protection, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Water supply.

    Dated: June 16, 2011.
Cynthia C. Dougherty,
Director, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water.
    For the reasons stated in the preamble, 40 CFR Part 141 is amended 
as follows:

PART 141--NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for Part 141 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 300f, 300g-1, 300j-4, and 300j-9.

0
2. Appendix A to Subpart C of Part 141 is amended as follows:
0
a. By revising entries for ``Alkalinity,'' ``Antimony,'' ``Arsenic,'' 
``Barium,'' ``Beryllium,'' ``Cadmium,'' ``Calcium,'' ``Chromium,'' 
``Copper,'' ``Fluoride,'' ``Lead,'' ``Magnesium,'' ``Nickel,'' 
``Nitrate,'' ``Selenium,'' ``Silica, '' and ``Sodium'' in the table 
entitled ``Alternative testing methods for contaminants listed at 40 
CFR 141.23(k)(1).''
0
b. By revising the entry for ``Dalapon'' in the table entitled 
``Alternative testing methods for contaminants listed at 40 CFR 
141.24(e)(1).''
0
c. By adding entries for ``2,4-D'' and ``2,4,5-TP (Silvex)'' after the 
entry for ``Xylenes (total)'' in the table entitled ``Alternative 
testing methods for contaminants listed at 40 CFR 141.24(e)(1).''
0
d. By adding the entry for ``Dinoseb'' after the entry for 
``Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)'' in the table entitled ``Alternative 
testing methods for contaminants listed at 40 CFR 141.24(e)(1).''
0
e. By adding the entry for ``Glyphosate'' after the entry for ``Ethyl 
dibromide (EDB)'' in the table entitled ``Alternative testing methods 
for contaminants listed at 40 CFR 141.24(e)(1).''
0
f. By adding entries for ``Pentachlorophenol'' and ``Picloram'' after 
the entry for ``Oxamyl'' in the table entitled ``Alternative testing 
methods for contaminants listed at 40 CFR 141.24(e)(1).''
0
g. By revising the entry for ``Uranium'' in the table entitled 
``Alternative testing methods for contaminants listed at 40 CFR 
141.25(a).''
0
h. By revising entries for ``Aluminum,'' ``Iron,'' ``Manganese,'' and 
``Silver'' in the table entitled ``Alternative testing methods for 
contaminants listed at 40 CFR 143.4(b).''

Appendix A to Subpart C of Part 141--Alternative Testing Methods 
Approved for Analyses Under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

* * * * *

                                       Alternative Testing Methods for Contaminants Listed at 40 CFR 141.23(k)(1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          SM 21st  edition
      Contaminant          Methodology              EPA method                   \1\           SM online \3\         ASTM \4\              Other
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alkalinity............  Titrimetric......  ............................  2320 B............  .................  D 1067-06 B......
Antimony..............  Hydride--Atomic    ............................  ..................  .................  D 3697-07........
                         Absorption.
                        Atomic             ............................  3113 B............  3113 B-04........
                         Absorption;
                         Furnace.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
Arsenic...............  Atomic             ............................  3113 B............  3113 B-04........  D 2972-08 C......
                         Absorption;
                         Furnace.
                        Hydride Atomic     ............................  3114 B............  3114 B-09........  D 2972-08 B......
                         Absorption.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
Barium................  Inductively        ............................  3120 B............
                         Coupled Plasma.
                        Atomic             ............................  3111 D............
                         Absorption;
                         Direct.
                        Atomic             ............................  3113 B............  3113 B-04........
                         Absorption;
                         Furnace.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
Beryllium.............  Inductively        ............................  3120 B............
                         Coupled Plasma.
                        Atomic             ............................  3113 B............  3113 B-04........  D 3645-08 B......
                         Absorption;
                         Furnace.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
Cadmium...............  Atomic             ............................  3113 B............  3113 B-04........
                         Absorption;
                         Furnace.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
Calcium...............  EDTA titrimetric.  ............................  3500-Ca B.........  .................  D 511-09 A.......
                        Atomic             ............................  3111 B............  .................  D 511-09 B.......
                         Absorption;
                         Direct
                         Aspiration.
                        Inductively        ............................  3120 B............
                         Coupled Plasma.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
                        Ion                ............................  ..................  .................  D 6919-09........
                         Chromatography.
Chromium..............  Inductively        ............................  3120 B............
                         Coupled Plasma.

[[Page 37019]]

 
                        Atomic             ............................  3113 B............  3113 B-04........
                         Absorption;
                         Furnace.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
Copper................  Atomic             ............................  3113 B............  3113 B-04........  D 1688-07 C......
                         Absorption;
                         Furnace.
                        Atomic             ............................  3111 B............  .................  D 1688-07 A......
                         Absorption;
                         Direct
                         Aspiration.
                        Inductively        ............................  3120 B............
                         Coupled Plasma.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Fluoride..............  Ion                ............................  4110 B............
                         Chromatography.
                        Manual             ............................  4500-F\-\ B, D....
                         Distillation;
                         Colorimetric
                         SPADNS.
                        Manual Electrode.  ............................  4500-F-C..........  .................  D 1179-04 B......
                        Automated          ............................  4500-F-E
                         Alizarin.
                        Arsenite-Free      ............................  ..................  .................  .................  Hach SPADNS 2 Method
                         Colorimetric                                                                                               10225.\22\
                         SPADNS.
Lead..................  Atomic             ............................  3113 B............  3113 B-04........  D 3559-08 D......
                         Absorption;
                         Furnace.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
Magnesium.............  Atomic             ............................  3111 B............  .................  D 511-09 B.......
                         Absorption;
                         Direct.
                        Inductively        ............................  3120 B............
                         Coupled Plasma.
                        Complexation       ............................  3500-Mg B.........  .................  D 511-09 A.......
                         Titrimetric
                         Methods.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\....
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
                        Ion                ............................  ..................  .................  D 6919-09........
                         Chromatography.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Nickel................  Inductively        ............................  3120 B............
                         Coupled Plasma.
                        Atomic             ............................  3111 B............
                         Absorption;
                         Direct.
                        Atomic             ............................  3113 B............  3113 B-04........
                         Absorption;
                         Furnace.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
Nitrate...............  Ion                ............................  4110 B............
                         Chromatography.
                        Automated Cadmium  ............................  4500-NO3-F........
                         Reduction.
                        Manual Cadmium     ............................  4500-NO3-E........
                         Reduction.
                        Ion Selective      ............................  4500-NO3-D........
                         Electrode.
                        Reduction/         ............................  ..................  .................  .................  Systea Easy (1-
                         Colorimetric.                                                                                              Reagent).\8\
                        Colorimetric;      ............................  ..................  .................  .................  Hach TNTplus\TM\ 835/
                         Direct.                                                                                                    836 Method 10206.\
                                                                                                                                    23\
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Selenium..............  Hydride--Atomic    ............................  3114 B............  3114 B-09........  D 3859-08 A......
                         Absorption.
                        Atomic             ............................  3113 B............  3113 B-04........  D 3859-08 B......
                         Absorption;
                         Furnace.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
Silica................  Colorimetric.....  ............................  ..................  .................  D859-05..........
                        Molybdosilicate..  ............................  4500-SiO2 C.......
                        Heteropoly blue..  ............................  4500-SiO2 D.......
                        Automated for      ............................  4500-SiO2 E.......
                         Molybdate-
                         reactive Silica.
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
                        Inductively        ............................  3120 B............
                         Coupled Plasma.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Sodium................  Atomic             ............................  3111 B............
                         Absorption;
                         Direct
                         Aspiration.

[[Page 37020]]

 
                        Axially viewed     200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\....
                         inductively
                         coupled plasma-
                         atomic emission
                         spectrometry
                         (AVICP-AES).
                        Ion                ............................  ..................  .................  D 6919-09........
                         Chromatography.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

                   Alternative Testing Methods for Contaminants Listed at 40 CFR 141.24(e)(1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          SM 21st  edition
         Contaminant               Methodology          EPA method              \1\             SM online \3\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
2,4-D........................  Gas Chromatography/ ...................  6640 B.............  6640 B-01
                                Electron Capture
                                Detection (GC/
                                ECD).
2,4,5-TP (Silvex)............  Gas Chromatography/ ...................  6640 B.............  6640 B-01
                                Electron Capture
                                Detection (GC/
                                ECD).
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Dalapon......................  Ion Chromatography  557 \14\...........
                                Electrospray
                                Ionization Tandem
                                Mass Spectrometry
                                (IC-ESI-MS/MS).
                               Gas Chromatography/ ...................  6640 B.............  6640 B-01
                                Electron Capture
                                Detection (GC/
                                ECD).
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Dinoseb......................  Gas Chromatography/ ...................  6640 B.............  6640 B-01
                                Electron Capture
                                Detection (GC/
                                ECD).
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Glyphosate...................  High-Performance    ...................  6651 B.............  6651 B-00
                                Liquid
                                Chromatography
                                (HPLC) with Post-
                                Column
                                Derivatization
                                and Fluorescence
                                Detection.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Pentachlorophenol............  Gas Chromatography/ ...................  6640 B.............  6640 B-01
                                Electron Capture
                                Detection (GC/
                                ECD).
Picloram.....................  Gas Chromatography/ ...................  6640 B.............  6640 B-01
                                Electron Capture
                                Detection (GC/
                                ECD).
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

                     Alternative Testing Methods for Contaminants Listed at 40 CFR 141.25(a)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Contaminant                   Methodology           SM 21st  edition \1\             ASTM \4\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naturally Occurring:
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Uranium..............................  Radiochemical......  7500-U B......................
                                       ICP-MS.............  ..............................  D5673-05
                                       Alpha spectrometry.  7500-U C......................  D3972-09
                                       Laser                ..............................  D5174-07
                                        Phosphorimetry.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

                                         Alternative Testing Methods for Contaminants Listed at 40 CFR 143.4(b)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Contaminant              Methodology                    EPA method                     ASTM \4\         SM 21st  edition\1\      SM online \3\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aluminum.................  Axially viewed        200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                            inductively coupled
                            plasma-atomic
                            emission
                            spectrometry (AVICP-
                            AES).
                           Atomic Absorption;    .....................................  ....................  3111D...............
                            Direct.
                           Atomic Absorption;    .....................................  ....................  3113 B..............  3113 B-04
                            Furnace.

[[Page 37021]]

 
                           Inductively Coupled   .....................................  ....................  3120 B..............
                            Plasma.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Iron.....................  Axially viewed        200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\.............
                            inductively coupled
                            plasma-atomic
                            emission
                            spectrometry (AVICP-
                            AES).
                           Atomic Absorption;    .....................................  ....................  3111 B..............
                            Direct.
                           Atomic Absorption;    .....................................  ....................  3113 B..............  3113 B-04
                            Furnace.
                           Inductively Coupled   .....................................  ....................  3120 B..............
                            Plasma.
Manganese................  Axially viewed        200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                            inductively coupled
                            plasma-atomic
                            emission
                            spectrometry (AVICP-
                            AES).
                           Atomic Absorption;    .....................................  ....................  3111 B..............
                            Direct.
                           Atomic Absorption;    .....................................  ....................  3113 B..............  3113 B-04
                            Furnace.
                           Inductively Coupled   .....................................  ....................  3120 B..............
                            Plasma.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Silver...................  Axially viewed        200.5, Revision 4.2. \2\
                            inductively coupled
                            plasma-atomic
                            emission
                            spectrometry (AVICP-
                            AES).
                           Atomic Absorption;    .....................................  ....................  3111 B..............
                            Direct.
                           Atomic Absorption;    .....................................  ....................  3113 B..............  3113 B-04
                            Furnace.
                           Inductively Coupled   .....................................  ....................  3120 B..............
                            Plasma.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
\1\ Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 21st edition (2005). Available from American Public Health Association, 800 I Street,
  NW., Washington, DC 20001-3710.
\2\ EPA Method 200.5, Revision 4.2. ``Determination of Trace Elements in Drinking Water by Axially Viewed Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission
  Spectrometry.'' 2003. EPA/600/R-06/115. (Available at http://www.epa.gov/nerlcwww/ordmeth.htm.)
\3\ Standard Methods Online are available at http://www.standardmethods.org. The year in which each method was approved by the Standard Methods
  Committee is designated by the last two digits in the method number. The methods listed are the only online versions that may be used.
\4\ Available from ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 or http://astm.org. The methods listed are the only
  alternative versions that may be used.
* * * * *
\8\ Systea Easy (1-Reagent). ``Systea Easy (1-Reagent) Nitrate Method,'' February 4, 2009. Available at https://www.nemi.gov/apex/f?p=237:1:1150314317898177 or from Systea Scientific, LLC., 900 Jorie Blvd., Suite 35, Oak Brook, IL 60523.
* * * * *
\14\ EPA Method 557. ``Determination of Haloacetic Acids, Bromate, and Dalapon in Drinking Water by Ion Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem
  Mass Spectrometry (IC-ESI-MS/MS),'' September 2009. EPA 815-B-09-012. Available at http://water.epa.gov/scitech/drinkingwater/labcert/analyticalmethods_expedited.cfm.
* * * * *
\22\ Hach Company Method, ``Hach Company SPADNS 2 (Arsenic-free) Fluoride Method 10225--Spectrophotometric Measurement of Fluoride in Water and
  Wastewater,'' January 2011. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
\23\ Hach Company Method, ``Hach Company TNTplus\TM\ 835/836 Nitrate Method 10206--Spectrophotometric Measurement of Nitrate in Water and Wastewater,''
  January 2011. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)

[FR Doc. 2011-15629 Filed 6-23-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P