Current through Register Vol. 54, No.43, October 26, 2024
Section 16.101 - Introduction(a) This subchapter contains information on the final EPA guidelines establishing test procedures for the analysis of priority pollutants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, known as the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.A. §§ 1251-1376). The procedures of analysis for the organic compounds are contained in 40 CFR 136 (relating to guidelines establishing test procedures). Procedures for inorganic substances are cited in this source, but details are found elsewhere. Analytical procedures for free cyanide are approved by the Department and are contained in Appendix A, Table 2A.(b) This information provides the expected levels of analytical detectability for toxic priority pollutants. It is intended as a basis for review of NPDES application forms, and for establishing appropriate detection limits and methods of analysis to accompany final effluent limitations in permits.(c) The Department recommends that clean techniques be employed as appropriate in collecting, handling, storing, preparing and analyzing samples. Clean techniques refer to methods that reduce contamination and enable the accurate and precise measurement of substances, and to related issues concerning detection limits, quality control and quality assurance. Clean techniques are those requirements or practices for sample collection and handling necessary to produce reliable analytical data to at least the microgram per liter (µg/l) or part per billion (ppb) range, or lower as required by the analytical method. The use of clean techniques reduces the incidence of overstatement of environmental concentrations of trace substances.The provisions of this §16.101 adopted March 10, 1989, effective 3/11/1989, 19 Pa.B. 1059; amended April 9, 1993, effective 4/10/1993, 23 Pa.B. 1727; amended November 17, 1995, effective 11/18/1995, 25 Pa.B. 5067; amended February 11, 2005, effective 2/12/2005, 35 Pa.B. 1223; amended May 15, 2009, effective 5/16/2009, 39 Pa.B. 2543.