California Code Of Regulations Research Articles

Development of a Gas-Tight Syringe Headspace GC-FID Method for the Detection of Ethanol, and a Description of the Legal and Practical Framework for Its Analysis, in Samples of English and Welsh Motorists' Blood and Urine.

Ethanol is the most commonly used recreational drug worldwide. This study describes the development and validation of a headspace gas chromatography flame ionisation detection (HS-GC-FID) method using dual columns and detectors for simultaneous separation and quantitation. The use of a dual-column, dual-detector HS-GC-FID to quantitate ethanol is a common analytical technique in forensic toxicology; however, most analytical systems utilise pressure-balance injection rather than a simplified gas-tight syringe, as per this technique. This study is the first to develop and validate a technique that meets the specifications of the United Kingdom’s requirements for road traffic toxicology testing using a Shimadzu GC-2014 gas-tight syringe. The calibration ranged from 10 to 400 mg/100 mL, with a target minimum linearity of r2 > 0.999, using tertiary butanol as the internal standard marker. The method has an expanded uncertainty at 99.73% confidence of 3.64% at 80 mg/100 mL, which is the blood alcohol limit for drink driving in England and Wales. In addition, at 200 mg%—the limit at which a custodial sentence may be imposed on the defendant—the expanded uncertainty was 1.95%. For both the 80 mg% and 200 mg% concentrations, no bias was present in the analytical method. This method displays sufficient separation for other alcohols, such as methanol, isopropanol, acetaldehyde, and acetone. The validation of this technique complies with the recommended laboratory guidelines set out by United Kingdom and Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists (UKIAFT), the recently issued Laboratory 51 guidelines by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), and the criteria set out by the California Code of Regulations (CCR), 17 CCR § 1220.1.

Longitudinal Surveillance of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) Among Long Beach City Residents, April 1, 2020-December 10, 2020

Background: There have been limited studies on the post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) throughout the course of the disease and recovery. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and associated factors of PASC in a diverse population to inform patients’ expectations and public health policy.Methods: Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) surveillance data was obtained from the California Reportable Disease Information Exchange (CalREDIE) surveillance system between April 1, 2020 and December 10, 2020. Simple random sampling without replacement was used to select participants for the study. Interview questions, guided by the CalREDIE COVID-19 case investigation questionnaire, focused on tracking self-reported symptoms prior to diagnosis, at time of positive test result, one-month post-testing, two months post-testing, and on the date of the final interview.Findings: One third of participants reported PASC two months post-testing, most commonly reporting fatigue, anosmia, and dyspnea. Individuals forty years and older, female, Black/African American, and with asthma or obesity had the highest odds of developing PASC in our study population.Interpretation: Age, gender, pre-existing conditions, and ethnicity/race were associated with developing PASC in a diverse sample of hospitalized and non-hospitalized participants. As the number of recovered COVID-19 patients increases, it is critical to understand the impacts of PASC and differential access to care and recovery among diverse populations in order to guide patient expectations and equitable public health policies.Funding Information: None to declare.Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests.Ethics Approval Statement: This study was conducted using surveillance data collected by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (California Code of Regulations, Title 17) under the authority of the Long Beach City Health Officer during case investigation and follow up, thus IRB approval was not required. Verbal consent was obtained from participants.

Beach Pollution Effects on Health and Productivity in California.

The United States (U.S.) Clean Water Act triggered over $1 trillion in investments in water pollution abatement. However, treated sewage discharge and untreated runoff water that are contaminated by fecal matter are discharged into California beach waters daily. Warnings are posted to thwart the public from contacting polluted coastal water, according to the California Code of Regulations (CCR). This paper evaluated the current policy by empirically examining the productivity loss, in the form of sick leave, which is caused by fecal-contaminated water along the California coast under the CCR. The findings of this study showed that Californians suffer productivity losses in the amount of 3.56 million sick leave days per year due to recreational beach water pollution. This paper also empirically examined the pollution-to-sickness graph that Cabelli’s classic study theoretically proposed. The results of the research assure that the existing water quality thresholds are still reasonably safe and appropriate, despite the thresholds being based on studies from the 1950s. The weakness of the CCR lies in its poor enforcement or compliance. Better compliance, in terms of posting pollution advisories and increasing public awareness regarding beach pollution effects on health, would lead to a significant decrease in sick leaves and a corresponding increase in productivity. Therefore, this study advocates for stronger enforcement by displaying pollution advisories and better public awareness of beach pollution effects on health.

A successful transformation of conventional SBR to MBR at Indian casino and facility: a case study of Chumash Casino and Resort Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), water reuse perspectives

A conventional sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was successfully transformed to a membrane bioreactor (MBR) at an Indian casino resort and hotel, Santa Ynez, California. The technical difficulties from the existing process at the site including a 3-mm screening unit, SBR biological tanks, and sand filtration were relieved of by new biological membrane technology. As the hotel and its vicinity expanded, the existing SBR was not able to treat an increased flow, which was major driving force for such membrane-upgraded project. In addition, as the area was in a high drought zone, without meeting the purpose of water reuse, new hotel expansion was not permitted. New membrane process was designed and built with new 2-mm screening unit, pre-anoxic, oxic (or aerobic), post-anoxic, and MBR tanks along with UV disinfection. The retrofitting work was conducted, minimizing a major revision on the existing SBR structure and its civil work. Therefore, the new packaged system has brought a number of benefits to the customer, thereby utilizing reclaimed water highly meeting the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 22 requirements. The reclaimed water goes to toilet water, cooling tower, and irrigation. This study details how such process transformation was technically finished and would help other similar cases in terms of retrofitting exiting biological process to a membrane application without a major civil construction. The cost analysis including capital, operation and maintenance (O&M) costs was included so that it will be practical to ones who will conduct future similar projects.

Power train and emission control: allocation procedure by OBD-II system for automotive technology

OBD-II, systems were designed to maintain low emissions of in use vehicles, including light and medium duty vehicles. In 1989, the California code of Regulations (CCR) known as OBD – II was adopted by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) and the objective to reduce hydrocarbon (HC) emission caused by malfunction of the vehicles emission control systems. OBD-II provides additional information to engineer for diagnosis and repair of emissions related problems. OBD-II, standardizes on the amount of memory (Freeze Frame) it uses to store the readings of the vehicle sensor when it logs on emission related Intermittent Trouble code (IT). The intent of OBD-II, systems is to detect most vehicle malfunctions when performance of a power train component or system deteriorates to the point that the vehicle’s HC emission exceed standard. The vehicle operator is notified at the time when the vehicle begins to marginally exceed emission standards, by illuminating the Malfunctions Indicator Light (MIL).

Customers’ Opinion about Management of Empty Containers in Liner Shipping

A container is any portable device in which material can be stored, handled, treated, transported, recycled, or disposed of. The definition of container is found in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, and section 66260.10. Containers range in size from small lab bottles to trucks and rail cars, but the most common containers used for hazardous waste and hazardous materials management are 55 gallon steel or plastic drums and inner liners from these drums (Cheung and Chen, 1998). The empty container management requirements discussed in this fact sheet pertain to containers and their liners that are less than 110 gallons in volume. The main aim of the study is to identify the various factors in managing empty containers in Liner shipping. The data were collected and analyzed through proper statistical tools and the results were presented in the article.

CASP Position Paper: Specific Learning Disabilities and Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses

California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) adopted a Position Paper in March, 2014 intended to support school psychologists in California in electing to use a process known as Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) as one of three methods specified in IDEA 2014 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, to identify students being assessed for Specific Learning Disability (SLD). The CASP Position Paper recommends use of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for assisting students who are experiencing learning difficulties. Suggested methods include a comprehensive evaluation using data from multiple sources such as response to instruction and intervention, direct observations across time and settings, record reviews, interviews, and direct assessment to identify the student’s strengths and weaknesses in cognitive and academic skill areas. Critical elements of the PSW model are described.

Regulatory Update: CARB Passes USA’s First Regulations for Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Replacement Filters

Emission regulations play a significant role in assuring that manufacturers of internal combustion engines utilize emission control devices. For on-road, heavy-duty Diesel vehicles, any replacement of such emission devices during the initial warranty period (5 years, 100,000 miles, or 3000 hours of operation in California, whichever comes first) is covered by the manufacturer, while any replacement thereafter is the vehicle owner’s responsibility. Vehicle owners who, past the initial warranty period, opt to replace such devices using the OEM-approved parts have come to the realization that this is a costly option, hence demanding lower-cost replacement devices commonly known as “aftermarket” parts. Not so fast, says the California Air Resources Board (CARB), as, historically speaking, aftermarket parts, especially when produced by non-OEM manufacturers, are not required to meet the same benchmark as the OEM-produced parts do. This is where the market and the regulations meet once again: Since automotive pollution is of major public interest and is clearly regulated, one can simply understand why regulatory agencies, such as the CARB, would be inclined to devise rules and guidelines for replacing components of emission control systems. On Friday 22 April 2016, the CARB officially adopted its drafted rules and guidelines for replacement parts for Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), the first of its kind for Diesel exhaust emission control components in the USA. For now, the CARB rules are limited to 2007 through 2009 model year heavy-duty Diesel engines for on-road platforms; these were the vehicles having lower engine-out NOx and without urea SCR systems. With such CARB regulations for replacement DPF parts now becoming hard-wired into the California Code of Regulations, one wonders how such rules will gradually impact other landscapes of replacement DPF technologies and markets outside of California. One potential impact may be on the other 49 US states, a jurisdiction of interest to the US EPA. Another may be that its various versions could be adopted or worked into existing regulations in other countries or regions, such as within the EU member countriesor regions, such as within the EU member countries. California replacement DPF rule-making did not come as a surprise. The need for a structured approach for lower-cost replacement DPFs had been felt for some time. On the one hand, lower-cost replacement DPFs were needed to provide relative financial ease for vehicle owners; on the other, such DPFs had tomeet emission reduction performance benchmarks satisfactory to the public at large. Indeed, lack of such regulations had created a singularity between California and the rest of the country. In California, vehicle owners were so far left with only one choice: the higher-cost OEM-approved replacement DPFs; outside of California, the picture has not been as crisp: There existed (and continues to exist) replacement DPFs over a large spectrum of the good, the bad, and the ugly. While some non-OEM replacement DPF producers appear to yield replacement parts having suitable qualities, it is however not hard to notice other replacement DPFs available in the market barely meeting minimally acceptable performance benchmarks. It is hence fair to predict the recent rule-making in California, indeed the first of its kind, will come without neither its challenges nor its widespread impact; most notably, (a) there will be an initial period where these newly adopted technology, quality and rules will help greatly fine-tune the replacement DPF markets, while such markets will help fine* Mansour Masoudi mansour.masoudi@emissol.com

Common Core and the Uncommon Learner: How Autism Affects Acquisition of Common Core State Standards

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS 2014a, b) are here to stay. State and local education agencies are responsible for ensuring that schools teach all students the core standards that they will need in college and the work force. However, the ever-growing population of students on the autism spectrum has unique learning needs which may make it more difficult for them to achieve these standards. This article examines the core characteristics of autism as they are described in the California Code of Regulations (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004), the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (APA 2013), and current theories. These characteristics will be held up to the CCSS to identify areas of potential deficit and to explore interventions, accommodations, and modifications designed to enhance access to the general curriculum. These supports are aimed at allowing uncommon learners on the autism spectrum who require minimal support, substantial support, and very substantial support to achieve Common Core State Standards alongside their typically developing peers.

Hazardous waste characterisation of high–density discharge lamps

This study was conducted to assess the relative hazards of used high intensity discharge lamps, based on metal analysis. The paper indicates the inherent difficulties associated with the samples and describes how this particular type of waste might be analysed. The lamps were analysed for total and soluble metals, including mercury, in order to determine inorganic persistent and bio–accumulative toxic substances. The data generated are being used to develop guidelines for the hazardous waste characterisation of these lamps in California, using California Code of Regulations, Title 22, and EPA (SW846) procedures.

Redwood City Delivers Recycled Water to Local Businesses

This article discusses Redwood City, California's recycled water program. The city first implemented recycled water use under the First Step Program for irrigating city‐owned medians, landscaping at an apartment building, and landscaping at an office complex. Success of the First Step Program encouraged the city to pursue a citywide recycled water program that would use unrestricted recycled water for permitted uses under the State of California Department of Health Services, California Code of Regulations, Water Recycling Criteria, including landscape irrigation, industrial processes, and toilet flushing. The article discusses the challenge of maintaining the relationship between the city‐owned water system and the regional wastewater treatment facility that jointly ran the project, and the design challenge of expanding the facility to provide disinfection, storage and distribution pumping for 3,200 acre‐ft/year of recycled water.

Genotyping Proves Helpful in Identifying a Potential TB Outbreak in a Community Hospital

LESSONS LEARNED: We hypothesize that a combination of automatic faucets, the presence of non-aerators which increased the production of biofilm, and an unknown point source lead to contamination of multiple faucets and increased patients’ risk of acquisition of PA. Further research on sensored (automatic) faucets in critical care areas is needed to assess the risk for waterborne infections of high risk patients. The California Code of Regulations prohibits faucet aerators on handwashing fixtures in acute care hospitals. There are no national standards. Nonaerators, marketed for hospitals where aerators are banned, may harbor water-borne pathogens. There are no regulations for non-aerators. Laryngoscope cleaning practices differ, but hospital staff are directed to follow Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and manufacturer guidelines.

Updated Tables Needed to Determine a Severe Discrepancy Under California’s Title 5 Regulations

Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations mandates that there must be a “severe discrepancy” between scores of intellectual ability and academic achievement as one condition of eligibility for a pupil’s identification as having a specific learning disability (SLD). Tables are presented for combinations of selected tests of intelligence and achievement that provide standard criterion values and values for standard error of measurement, which permit the easy determination of a “severe discrepancy” as defined in Title 5. The statistical properties and correct use of the Title 5 procedures are reviewed. Although the methodology employed in Title 5 is not considered best practice, and alternatives are noted, emphasis is placed on the ethical and practical importance of making decisions regarding a pupil’s eligibility as SLD in compliance with Title 5.

Determination of Exempt and Prohibited Compounds in Consumer Products by Headspace Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

Title 17, California Code of Regulations, Division 3, Chapter 1, Subchapter 8.5, Articles 1 and 2, Sections 94500-94517 specify limits for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a wide variety of consumer products. However, under these regulations, specific compounds that have been shown to contribute little to the formation of ozone in the lower atmosphere are exempt from the definition of VOC. A headspace sampling and analysis method has been developed for the analyses of these compounds in consumer products. This method has been used successfully for analyzing aerosol and non-aerosol products.

Wastewater reclamation at Rancho Murieta, California; golf course irrigation with upgraded pond effluent meeting California's strictest requirements for wastewater reuse

Rancho Murieta is an exclusive 1,400 ha (3,500 acre) master-planned golf-course-oriented community and is located approximately 39 km (24 miles) southeast of Sacramento, the capital of California. The community located along the banks of the Cosumnes River, one of the last pristine rivers in California, is situated in the great Central Valley of California which enjoys a Mediterranean-like semi-arid climate. The community has a present population of 3,500 people and is projected to have an ultimate population of 15,600. The Rancho Murieta Community Services District provides wastewater collection treatment and disposal services, among others within the community. In the early 1980s, the District obtained 55 ha (135 acres) of land for a wastewater treatment facility from the original developer of the community. Despite the immediate proximity of the plant to the Cosumnes River, the District was not allowed to discharge any plant effluent to the river. In favor of preserving the pristine qualities of the river, a “zero discharge” was required. Therefore, the District had to provide for some form of reuse of its effluent, a land disposal alternative. After considerable study, a plan was developed to integrate the community's two proposed championship golf courses into a comprehensive wastewater reclamation program. In addition to significantly decreasing the demand for treated domestic water within the community, a comprehensive program to irrigate the golf courses with reclaimed wastewater would also significantly lower the summertime demand for water from the river, thereby providing increased flows to downstream agricultural users along the river, a true “win-win” situation for all parties concerned. In order to provide treatment to an acceptable level for irrigation of golf courses surrounded by dwellings, it was decided that a tertiary treatment plant would be designed to meet California's wastewater reclamation requirements. The current treatment plant was constructed in three phases. California has very strict standards for effluent reuse and they are described in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Use of reclaimed wastewater for most golf courses requires oxidation, coagulation, filtration and disinfection. The effluent has to meet a 2 NTU turbidity and 2.2 MPN/100 coliform standard. To comply with these standards, the District developed a unique treatment process that has allowed the District to be in full compliance since start-up without a single violation of the plant's discharge requirements. The initial treatment process consists of oxidation ponds. Mechanical aerators are located on the ponds to ensure that sufficient oxygen is provided at all times for treatment and most importantly for odor control. The pond effluent is discharged into two large reservoirs. These two reservoirs are sized to store wastewater for up to 150 days during periods of non-irrigation. When irrigation can be performed on the golf course, the tertiary treatment process is activated. It consists of dissolved air flotation for algae removal, filtration for polishing, and disinfection. Treatment design parameters, effluent quality results and capital and operating costs are presented.

Use and Abandonment of Surface Impoundments for the Disposal of Oil-Field Produced Waters: ABSTRACT

Surface impoundments, or sumps, are utilized for the disposal of oil-field produced water through percolation and evaporation in California's San Joaquin basin. Environmental concerns have resulted in increased regulation of sumps. Surface disposal of produced waters into unlined sumps is permitted where the quality of the produced water meets the stated criteria in the applicable basin plan as regulated by the local regional water quality control board. In the San Joaquin Basin, surface disposal is initially governed by the Tulare Lake basin plan (5D). A basin plan permits disposal into sumps of produced waters which do not exceed a maximum electrical conductivity, chlorides content, or boron content in areas which overlie useable groundwater. If the produced water exceeds any one of the maximum constituent levels, regulation of surface disposal passes to Title 23, California code of Regulations, sections 2,510-2,601 (subchapter 15). Subchapter 15 regulates the use and abandonment of lined surface impoundments designed to dispose of produced water through evaporation. Subchapter 15 requires the operator to conduct a site hydrogeologic characterization, install a groundwater monitoring system, and construct and enclose the surface impoundment in accordance with specified criteria. Sumps can be utilized in areas which do not meet the criteriamore » of the appropriate basin plan, or subchapter 15, where the operator demonstrates that surface percolation of the produced waters will not degrade underlying useable groundwater. Abandonment of unlined sumps includes removal and disposal of all free liquids, analysis of sludges and soils beneath the sumps, removal of contaminated sludges and soils, analysis of soils after removal of contaminated sludges and soils, backfilling of the sump, and revegetation of the site.« less