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New Jersey Private Well Testing Act

New Jersey Private Well Testing Act. Vas Komanduri & Marc Ferko Office of Quality Assurance. What is Private Well Testing Act ?. Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) is a new law. The law requires homeowner wells to be tested in NJ before the sale of property is effected

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New Jersey Private Well Testing Act

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  1. New Jersey Private Well Testing Act Vas Komanduri & Marc Ferko Office of Quality Assurance

  2. What is Private Well Testing Act ? • Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) is a new law. The law requires homeowner wells to be tested in NJ before the sale of property is effected • The law requires testing before a property is leased • The Law went into effect September 14, 2002 • Tests shall be conducted for specific contaminants

  3. What to test for PWTA? • pH • Nitrates • Total Coliform • Arsenic (Required only for 10 counties in North and Central region) • Certain Metals (including Mercury in 9 Southern counties) • Volatile Organic Compounds, and • Gross Alpha Radioactivity(implemented in a phased manner)

  4. When is the Gross Alpha Testing Effective? • March 15, 2003 • Starts in Cumberland and Gloucester counties

  5. How Many Counties require Gross Alpha Testing? • Initially 2 Southern counties. • 4 additional counties by September 2003. • 6 additional counties in Southern and Central by March 2004. • In all 12 counties by March 2004.

  6. What is the Approved Method for Gross Alpha Analysis? • 48-Hour Gross Alpha Testing is the approved method for PWTA • The Department is certifying Labs for the method

  7. What is 48-Hour Gross Alpha Testing? • Based on EPA 900.0 Method • Is a Double Counting Method • First counting must start within 36 to 48 Hours from sample collection • If Gross Alpha >5pCi/L, count the same planchet for a second time

  8. 48-Hour Gross Alpha contd.. • Second counting shall be 20 - 24 Hours after first count • Report second count data • Use Th-230 alpha source for calibration of counting efficiency of the gas proportional system

  9. Why 48-Hour Gross Alpha Testing? • Allows complete decay of short lived 222Rn progenies • Reduce contribution from unsupported 212Pbnearly by 80% to the Gross Alpha Activity

  10. SAMPLING REQUIREMENTS • Samples collected for the PWTA must be collected by either a New Jersey Certified Laboratory or a Laboratory Authorized Representative. • Samples must be tested for pH under PWTA, and that must be done by a NJ certified Laboratory. • Samples for PWTA must be collected and Preserved in accordance with N.J.A.C 7:18 Regulations

  11. SAMPLING Contd.. • Samples must be collected prior to any water treatment • If water treatment system is in use, the system must be disconnected. • If new well or no tap on the subject property, collect sample at wellhead.

  12. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS • The Laboratory shall report results within five (5) business days after completion of tests • The Laboratory shall submit results electronically to the Department.

  13. Laboratory Certification • The OQA certifications apply for the following parameters under PWTA • Sampling (1st Time offered) • 48-hour Gross Alpha Testing(1st Time offered) • Chemical Testing • Microbiological Testing

  14. CONTACTS • PWTA Hotline: 1-866-4PW-TEST • www.state.nj.us/dep/pwta/ • Office of Quality Assurance: (609) 292-3950

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