NPDES Permit Issues
NPDES Streamlining - Proposed Rule
Background: In response to President Clinton’s February 21, 1995 Reinventing Government directive, EPA proposed revisions to NPDES requirements in 40 CFR Parts 122, 123, and 124 to eliminate redundant regulations, provide clarification, and remove or streamline unnecessary procedures which do not provide environmental benefits (Round II). Proposed revisions for Round II, as published by EPA on December 11, 1996, include: 1) allowing general permits to cover multiple categories of discharges, thus, increasing the ability of general permits to cover currently unregulated sources, and streamline reissuance procedures of general permits where no changes in permit conditions are anticipated; 2) allowing permit writers not to require permit limits for all effluent guideline listed pollutants under certain circumstances; 3) removal of stormwater group application requirements; 4) streamlining permit terminations procedures; and, 5) revising Part 124 evidentiary hearing procedures.
Status: EPA plans to publish a final rule in February 1999. Work has begun on Round III streamlining and may include (1) additional permit modifications that can be considered minor, and (2) changes to requirements concerning EPA’s review of State permits. Other NPDES streamlining efforts are described in more detail in other sections of this Update. CONTACT: Thomas Charlton, EPA 202/260-6960.
NPDES Permit Application Requirements for POTWs, Form 2A and 2S - Proposed Rule
Background: On December 6, 1995, EPA published a proposed regulation which will amend NPDES permit application requirements and application forms for POTWs and will replace existing Standard Form A and Short Form A to account for changes in the NPDES program since the forms were issued in 1973. The proposal consolidates POTW application requirements, including information regarding toxics monitoring, whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing, pretreatment facility and hazardous waste contributions, and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The most significant proposed revisions according to EPA, would require toxic and WET monitoring by major and pretreatment POTWs. The proposed rule allows waivers where information is already available to the permitting authority.
Status: AMSA submitted comments to EPA on March 28, 1996. EPA expects to publish a final rule in November 1998. CONTACTS: Sam Hadeed, AMSA 202/833-4655, or Robin Danesi, EPA 202/260-2991.
EPA Expects to Propose Rule on Electronic Reporting in the NPDES Program
Background: EPA expects to propose a rule to allow NPDES reports and other information to be submitted electronically. The proposed rule would establish criteria for electronic reporting and a specific process and conditions for electronic reporting of discharge monitoring reports. The proposal addresses electronic signature, certification, and record keeping requirements that permittees would follow when submitting forms to USEPA electronically.
Status: EPA had expected to propose this rule in the fall of 1998, however, has delayed the proposal. CONTACT: Robin Danesi (202) 260-2991
Related Items of Interest
- The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) authorizes over $200 billion to improve the Nation's transportation infrastructure, enhance economic growth and protect the environment. TEA-21 creates new opportunities to improve air and water quality, restore wetlands and natural habitat, and rejuvenate urban areas through transportation redevelopment, increased transit and sustainable alternatives to urban sprawl. Several provisions of TEA-21 create new opportunities for water quality improvements. For more information, visit EPA’s Web Site at http://www.epa.gov/owow/tea/ .
- On November 1, EPA's Office of Water released the "Water Program Systems Compendium FY1998," which provides a road map to the kinds of information available to water program managers as they make policy and program decisions. The information is presented in a combination of text and graphic profiles for more than 140 information systems on water management. These systems are maintained by EPA's Office of Water, other EPA program offices, federal agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. Additionally, the compendium includes a list of over 200 federal, state, private, academic, and public interest group web sites that link to environmental program information as well as to specific information systems and data bases that contain water quality information. To view the document in its entirety and to find out information about how to order a hard copy, visit the EPA's Office of Water Web Site at http://www.epa.gov/ow/compendium.cfml .