TITLE 12. HEALTH

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH

Initial Agency Notice

Title of Regulation: 12VAC5-590. Waterworks Regulations.

Statutory Authority: § 32.1-170 of the Code of Virginia.

Name of Petitioner: G. M. Loupassi, Member, Virginia House of Delegates.

Nature of Petitioner's Request: The petitioner requests that the State Board of Health amend its regulations governing cross connection control and backflow prevention, contained in Virginia's Waterworks Regulations (12VAC5-590-580 et seq.). Currently, the regulations call for, in relevant part, annual inspections of backflow prevention devices on individual homeowners' lawn sprinkler systems. The petitioner suggests, in a letter to the commissioner, that a tiered system with lesser requirements for lower risk connections, such as individual homeowners' lawn sprinkler systems, might be in order, while also recognizing that "perhaps there are solutions that I am unaware of. . . ." The petitioner writes that "given the relatively low risk of contamination from such a source lawn sprinkler systems, combined with the onerous burden placed on homeowners with such systems, I respectfully ask that you review these regulations and consider a tiered system, with lesser requirements for lower risk connections."

Agency's Plan for Disposition of Request: Following a 21-day public comment period, the Virginia Department of Health will consider the petition in light of any comments or information received.

Public Comment Deadline: October 16, 2011.

Agency Contact: Robert A. K. Payne, Legal Affairs Manager, Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water, 109 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 864-7498, or email rob.payne@vdh.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R12-02; Filed August 31, 2011, 11:14 a.m.