It is the intent of these regulations to encourage and
facilitate the productive and safe reuse of treated wastewater as a viable
option in the management of the state's scarce water resources. The use of
treated wastewater for non-potable purposes through "source substitution" or
replacing potable water used for non-potable purposes is encouraged. This part
contains the minimum standards for the reuse of treated wastewater as defined
in these regulations. This chapter replaces and supersedes the portions of part
E, Chapter 11, Wyoming Water Quality Rules and Regulations pertaining land
application of treated wastewater.
(a)
These regulations establish standards that address the primary health concerns
associated with the reuse of treated wastewater. The regulations establish
criteria to address the risk of pathogen exposure and infectious disease risks
associated with various specified uses of treated wastewater. The regulations
establish standards for the following:
(i)
The level of wastewater treatment required;
(ii) Treatment reliability
requirements;
(iii) Upper limits
for water quality parameters;
(iv)
Site access restrictions; and
(v)
Management practices.
(b) In addition, the standards in this part
include the parameters to be monitored, frequency of monitoring, record keeping
and reporting requirements when treated wastewater is reused.
(c) These regulations establish the degree of
control required for wastewater reuse through site access limitations,
management practices and crop restrictions that will be commensurate with the
level of treatment provided, reliability of the treatment process, quality of
the wastewater and the intended use. As the quality of the wastewater and the
reliability of the treatment process increases, the regulatory controls are
reduced to a level consistent with protecting public health and the
environment.
(d) Pathogen reduction
and public health impacts related to infectious disease agents are the major
concerns associated with the reuse of treated wastewater. Chemical and toxic
pollutants in treated domestic sewage are generally not a concern and are not
targeted for state regulation in this chapter. There are additional
constituents, such as total dissolved solids, that should be considered as part
of an overall irrigation management program but are not regulated by this
chapter.
