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  • May I generate RINs that I produced and sold for non-road use in the past so that I can reinstate those RINs under RFS2?

    See More Frequent Questions about Fuels Registration, Reporting, and Compliance Help . Section 80.1426(c)(2) provides that RINs are assigned to a volume of renewable fuel when ownership of the RIN is transferred along with ownership of the volume of renewable fuel. A comparable provision appear in the RFS1 regulations, at…

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  • How do I contact EPA about lead concerns in my area?

    Answer: You may call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD(5323) or visit our Contact Us about Lead page . You can also report violations online . Question Number: 23002-33312 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • Will boiling my water help?

    No. Boiling water will NOT reduce nitrate levels. In fact, it will make the level of nitrate worse because some of the water will evaporate but the nitrate will not. This increases the concentration of nitrate in water.

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  • May I generate RINs for renewable fuel that I produced and sold for non-motor vehicle use in the past so that I can reinstate those RINs under RFS2?

    See More Frequent Questions about Fuels Registration, Reporting, and Compliance Help . No. RINs that were previously generated in 2009 and 2010 may be reinstated if they were retired for non-motor vehicle use. However, RINs may not be generated for renewable fuel produced in the past in order to retire…

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  • What can I do to protect my family from lead contamination that was found in my neighborhood?

    If environmental exposure to lead is suspected, you should contact your local or state environmental office to determine if there are known or suspected sources of lead in the area. If there are known or suspected sources of lead, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following…

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  • Is it safe to shower or bathe in water if it is over the nitrate MCL of 10 mg/L?

    Nitrate is only a concern for ingestion (eating and drinking). It is not absorbed through your skin. People who install filter systems for nitrate often install them just for their kitchen sink faucet, and they use that faucet for their cooking and drinking water.

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  • What is EPA doing?

    EPA is working with its governmental partners and other stakeholders to investigate and address the issue. Most recently, EPA issued a letter to the state of Minnesota requesting a plan of action to address nitrate contamination in drinking water.

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  • What should I do if my water has elevated nitrates and/or exceeds the MCL?

    If nitrate exceeds the MCL of 10 mg/L, you should find a safe alternative drinking water supply. The quickest thing to do is to begin using bottled water for drinking. Another option is to install a treatment that will remove nitrate from your water such as reverse osmosis or a…

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  • Why is nitrate contamination a concern?

    Nitrate is an acute contaminant, meaning that health effects can occur immediately (I.e. within hours or days) of short-term exposure. Too much nitrate in your body makes it harder for red blood cells to carry oxygen. While most people recover quickly, this can be very dangerous for infants and some…

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  • In addition to 2009 RINs, may a party reinstate 2008 and 2010 RINs that were retired for non-road use under RFS1?

    See More Frequent Questions about Fuels Registration, Reporting, and Compliance Help . Pursuant to §80.1429(g), any 2009 RINs that were retired for non-motor vehicle, heating oil or jet fuel use under RFS1 may be reinstated under RFS2. The regulations do not allow 2008 RINs to be reinstated. Since RFS1 RINs…

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  • How does a retiring party reinstate RFS1 RINs that were retired because renewable fuel was ultimately used for non-motor vehicle, heating oil or jet fuel purposes? What steps are required to be taken and do any codes require changing?

    See More Frequent Questions about Fuels Registration, Reporting, and Compliance Help . Pursuant to §80.1429(g), parties may reinstate 2009 RINs that were retired under RFS1 because the renewable fuel was ultimately used in a non-motor vehicle application, heating oil or jet fuel. As stated in question 11.1, since RFS1 RINs…

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  • How do I have my drinking water tested in the future?

    Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends you use an accredited laboratory to test your water. Contact an accredited laboratory to get sample containers and instructions or ask your county environmental or public health services if they provide well testing services. Accredited Labs in Minnesota Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private…

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  • How are people potentially exposed to nitrate?

    For many situations, the potential for children’s exposure from drinking water is medium to low. The potential can be higher when private wells become contaminated with nitrates from feed lot and agricultural runoff, and contaminated groundwater. Some geographic areas are at higher risk of drinking water contamination of private wells…

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  • What are the possible health effects of nitrate exposure?

    Short-term: Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death. The serious illness in infants is due to the conversion of nitrate to nitrite by the body, which can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the child’s blood leading to blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia). This…

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  • What is nitrate?

    Nitrate (NO3) is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen naturally found in air, soil, water, and some food. Plants and animals require nitrates for their survival and growth, and the human body also produces this compound. In industry, nitrate is used as fertilizers for crops and lawns. Additionally, nitrates are…

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