8/31/2011 11:14 am
Date / Time filed with the Register of Regulations
VA.R. Document Number: R____-______
Virginia Register Publication Information

Transmittal Sheet: Response to Petition for Rulemaking
X
Initial Agency Notice
Agency Decision
Promulgating Board: State Board of Health
Regulatory Coordinator: Douglas R. Harris

(804)864-7001

doug.harris@vdh.virginia.gov
Agency Contact: Robert A. K. Payne

Legal Affairs Manager

(804)864-7498

rob.payne@vdh.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health

109 Governor St.

Office of Drinking Water

Richmond, VA 23219
Chapter Affected:
12 vac 5 - 590: Waterworks Regulations
Statutory Authority: State: 32.1-170

Federal: Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended
Date Petition Received 08/31/2011
Petitioner G. M. Loupassi, Member, Virginia House of Delegates
 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 (12 VAC 5-590-580 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 "[p]erhaps there are solutions that I am unaware of. . . ."  The petitioner writes that "[g]iven 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 Plan
Following a 21-day public comment period, VDH will consider the petition in light of any comments or information received.
Publication Date 09/26/2011  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 10/16/2011