Abstract |
This Economic Analysis (EA) presents the evaluation of the benefits and costs of the proposed Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR). The analysis is performed in compliance with Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review (58 Federal Register (FR) 51735, September 1993), which requires the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) to estimate the economic impact of rules that have an annual effect on the economy of over $100 million. The Order further requires agencies to make the analysis for an economically significant rule available to the public in conjunction with publication of the final rule. Although EPA's analysis of the proposed RTCR has determined that its annual costs are below this threshold, EPA has chosen to publish a complete EA for this rule. In the Six-Year Review determination published in July 2003, EPA gave notice of its intent to review the current Total Coliform Rule (current TCR). EPA has since developed the proposed RTCR in collaboration with states, other interested stakeholders, and the Total Coliform Rule/Distribution System Advisory Committee (TCRDSAC). The Agencys primary reasons for revising the 1989 Total Coliform Rule are implementation-related issues. The proposed revisions offer a meaningful opportunity for greater public health protection against fecal contamination and waterborne pathogens in the distribution systems of public water systems (PWSs) beyond the current Total Coliform Rule. These proposed revisions are in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) as amended, which requires EPA to review and revise, as appropriate, each national primary drinking water regulation promulgated under the SDWA at least every six years. As with the current Total Coliform Rule, the proposed Revised Total Coliform Rule applies to all PWSs. |