Ocean Dumping; Proposed Site Designation, 9019-9023 [05-3525]

Agencies

• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 36 (Thursday, February 24, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9019-9023]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-3525]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 228

[FRL-7876-4]


Ocean Dumping; Proposed Site Designation

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: EPA today proposes to designate a new Ocean Dredged Material 
Disposal Site (ODMDS) in the Atlantic Ocean offshore Port Royal, South 
Carolina, as an EPA-approved ocean dumping site for the disposal of 
suitable dredged material. This proposed action is necessary to provide 
an acceptable ocean disposal site for consideration as an option for 
dredged material disposal projects in the greater Port Royal, South 
Carolina vicinity. This proposed site designation is for an indefinite 
period of time, but the site is subject to continuing monitoring to 
insure that unacceptable adverse environmental impacts do not occur.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 11, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments by one of the following methods:
    (a) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
    (b) E-mail: collins.garyw@epa.gov.
    (c) Fax: (404) 562-9343.
    (d) Mail: Coastal Section, EPA Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30303. ATTN: Gary W. Collins.
    The file supporting this proposed designation is available for 
public inspection at the following locations:

EPA Region 4, Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street, SW., 
Atlanta, Georgia 30303.
Department of the Army, Charleston District Corps of Engineers, 69A 
Hagood Ave., Charleston, South Carolina 29403-5107.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary W. Collins, (404) 562-9395.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    Section 102(c) of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries 
Act (MPRSA) of 1972, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq., gives the 
Administrator of EPA the authority to designate sites where ocean 
disposal may be permitted. On October 1, 1986, the Administrator 
delegated the authority to designate ocean disposal sites to the 
Regional Administrator of the Region in which the sites are located. 
This proposed designation of a new site offshore Port Royal, South 
Carolina, which is within Region 4, is being made pursuant to that 
authority.
    The EPA Ocean Dumping Regulations promulgated under MPRSA (40 CFR 
Chapter I, Subchapter H, Sec.  228.4) state that ocean dumping sites 
will be designated by promulgation in this part 228. This site 
designation is being published as proposed rulemaking in accordance 
with Sec.  228.4(e) of the Ocean Dumping Regulations, which permits the 
designation of ocean disposal sites for dredged material. Interested 
persons may participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting 
written comments within 45 days of the date of this publication to the 
address given above.

B. Regulated Entities

    Entities potentially affected by this action are persons, 
organizations, or government bodies seeking to dispose of dredged 
material into ocean waters offshore Port Royal, South Carolina, under 
the MPRSA and its implementing regulations. This proposed rule is 
expected to be primarily of relevance to (a) parties seeking permits 
from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) to transport dredged 
material for the purpose of disposal into ocean waters and (b) to the 
COE itself for its own dredged material disposal projects. Potentially 
regulated categories and entities that may seek to use the proposed 
dredged material disposal site may include:

[[Page 9020]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Examples of potentially regulated
               Category                             entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Government...................  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
                                        Civil Works Projects, U.S.
                                        Marine Corps, and Other Federal
                                        Agencies.
Industry and General Public..........  Port Authorities, Marinas and
                                        Harbors, Shipyards, and Marine
                                        Repair Facilities, Berth Owners.
State, local and tribal governments..  Governments owning and/or
                                        responsible for ports, harbors,
                                        and/or berths, Government
                                        agencies requiring disposal of
                                        dredged material associated with
                                        public works projects.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
action, should the proposed rule become a final rule. To determine 
whether your organization is affected by this action, you should 
carefully consider whether your organization is subject to the 
requirement to obtain an MPRSA permit in accordance with section 103 of 
the MPRSA and the applicable regulations at 40 CFR parts 220 and 225, 
and whether you wish to use the sites subject to today's proposal. EPA 
notes that nothing in this proposed rule alters the jurisdiction or 
authority of EPA or the types of entities regulated under the MPRSA. 
Questions regarding the applicability of this proposed rule to a 
particular entity should be directed to the contact person listed in 
the preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

C. EIS Development

    Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
of 1969, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., requires that federal 
agencies prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on proposals 
for legislation and other major federal actions significantly affecting 
the quality of the human environment. The object of NEPA is to build 
into the Agency decision making process careful consideration of all 
environmental aspects of proposed actions. While NEPA does not apply to 
EPA activities of this type, EPA has voluntarily committed to prepare 
NEPA documents in connection with ocean disposal site designations. 
(See 63 FR 58045 [October 29, 1998], ``Notice of Policy and Procedures 
for Voluntary Preparation of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
Documents.'')
    EPA, in cooperation with the Charleston District of the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers (COE), has prepared a Final EIS (FEIS) entitled 
``Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Port Royal Ocean Dredged 
Material Disposal Site Designation.'' On June 25, 2004, the Notice of 
Availability (NOA) of the FEIS for public review and comment was 
published in the Federal Register (69 FR 35597 (June 25, 2004)). Anyone 
desiring a copy of the EIS may obtain one from the addresses given 
above. The public comment period on the final EIS closed on July 26, 
2004.
    EPA received one comment letter on the Final EIS from the South 
Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. This letter 
states their findings that the proposed ODMDS would be consistent with 
the S.C. Coastal Zone Management Program.
    Pursuant to an Office of Water policy memorandum dated October 23, 
1989, EPA has evaluated the proposed site designation for consistency 
with the State of South Carolina's (the State) approved coastal 
management program. EPA has determined that the designation of the 
proposed site is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the 
State coastal management program, and submitted this determination to 
the State for review in accordance with EPA policy. As stated above, 
the State agrees with this determination.
    This rule proposes the permanent designation for continuing use of 
the ODMDS near Port Royal, South Carolina. The purpose of the proposed 
action is to provide an environmentally acceptable option for the 
continued ocean disposal of dredged material. The need for the 
permanent designation of a Port Royal ODMDS is based on a demonstrated 
COE need for ocean disposal of maintenance dredged material from the 
Federal navigation projects in the greater Port Royal Sound area. 
However, every disposal activity by the COE is evaluated on a case-by-
case basis to determine the need for ocean disposal for that particular 
case. The need for ocean disposal for other projects, and the 
suitability of the material for ocean disposal, will be determined on a 
case-by-case basis as part of the COE's process of issuing permits for 
ocean disposal for private/federal actions and a public review process 
for their own actions.
    For the Port Royal ODMDS, the COE and EPA would evaluate all 
federal dredged material disposal projects pursuant to the EPA criteria 
given in the Ocean Dumping Regulations (40 CFR parts 220-229) and the 
COE regulations (33 CFR 209.120 and 33 CFR parts 335-338). The COE then 
issues Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) permits 
after compliance with regulations is determined to private applicants 
for the transport of dredged material intended for ocean disposal. EPA 
has the right to disapprove any ocean disposal project if, in its 
judgment, the MPRSA environmental criteria (section 102(a)) or 
conditions of designation (section 102(c)) are not met.
    The FEIS discusses the need for this site designation and examines 
ocean and non-ocean disposal site alternatives to the proposed action. 
Specific alternatives considered were the two interim ocean sites, 
sites off the continental shelf, land disposal sites, and sites that 
might be used for shore protection.

D. Proposed Site Designation

    The proposed site is located approximately 7 nautical miles 
offshore Bay Point Island, South Carolina. The proposed ODMDS occupies 
an area of about 1.0 square nautical miles (nmi2). Water 
depths within the area average 36 feet (ft.). The coordinates of the 
New Port Royal site proposed for final designation are as follows:

32[deg]05.00' N                      80[deg]36.47' W
32[deg]05.00' N                      80[deg]35.30' W
32[deg]04.00' N                      80[deg]35.30' W
32[deg]04.00' N                      80[deg]36.47' W
 

E. Regulatory Requirements

    Pursuant to the Ocean Dumping Regulations, 40 CFR 228.5, five 
general criteria are used in the selection and approval for continuing 
use of ocean disposal sites. Sites are selected so as to minimize 
interference with other marine activities, to prevent any temporary 
perturbations associated with the disposal from causing impacts outside 
the disposal site, and to permit effective monitoring to detect any 
adverse impacts at an early stage. Where feasible, locations off the 
Continental Shelf and other sites that have been historically used are 
to be chosen. In this case, locations off the Continental Shelf are not 
feasible and no environmental benefit would be obtained by selecting 
such a site instead of that proposed in this action. Historical use of 
the proposed site has not resulted in substantial adverse effects to 
living resources of the ocean or to other uses of the marine 
environment. If, at any time, disposal

[[Page 9021]]

operations at a site cause unacceptable adverse impacts, further use of 
the site can be restricted or terminated by EPA. The proposed site 
conforms to the five general criteria.
    In addition to these general criteria in Sec.  228.5 and Sec.  
228.6 lists the 11 specific criteria used in evaluating a proposed 
disposal site to assure that the general criteria are met. Application 
of these 11 criteria constitutes an environmental assessment of the 
impact of disposal at the site. The characteristics of the proposed 
site are reviewed below in terms of these 11 criteria (the EIS may be 
consulted for additional information).
    1. Geographical position, depth of water, bottom topography, and 
distance from coast (40 CFR 228.6(a)(1)).
    The boundary of the proposed site is given above. The northern 
boundary of the proposed site is located about 7 nmi offshore of Bay 
Point Island, South Carolina. The site is approximately 1.0 
nmi2 in area. The bottom topography is relatively flat and 
featureless, with water depths averaging 36 ft.
    2. Location in relation to breeding, spawning, nursery, feeding, or 
passage areas of living resources in adult or juvenile phases (40 CFR 
228.6(a)(2)).
    Many of the area's species spend their adult lives in the offshore 
region, but are estuary-dependent because their juvenile stages use a 
low salinity estuarine nursery region. Specific migration routes are 
not known to occur within the proposed site. The site is not known to 
include any major breeding or spawning area. Due to the motility of 
finfish, it is unlikely that disposal activities will have any 
significant impact on any of the species found in the area. In a letter 
dated October 23, 2003, the Habitat Conservation Division of National 
Marine Fisheries Service concurred with our assessment that the 
proposed action would not have a substantial individual or cumulative 
adverse impact on essential fish habitat, or fishery resources.
    3. Location in relation to beaches and other amenity areas (40 CFR 
228.6(a)(3)).
    The proposed site is located approximately 7 nautical miles from 
the coast. Considering the previous disposal activities of the existing 
ODMDS, dredged material disposal at the site is not expected to have an 
effect on the recreational uses of these beaches.
    4. Types and quantities of wastes proposed to be disposed of, and 
proposed methods of release, including methods of packing the waste, if 
any (40 CFR 228(a)(4)).
    The type of materials to be disposed of within this proposed site 
is dredged material as described in type and quantity by section 2 of 
the FEIS. Between the years 1992 and 2003, approximately 200,000 cubic 
yards (annual average) have been ocean disposed from this area. 
Disposal would be by hopper dredge or dump scow. All disposals shall be 
in accordance with the approved Site Management and Monitoring Plan 
developed for this site (FEIS, Appendix B).
    5. Feasibility of surveillance and monitoring (40 CFR 228.6(a)(5)).
    Due to the relative proximity of the site to shore and its depth, 
surveillance will not be difficult. The Site Management and Monitoring 
Plan (SMMP) for the Port Royal ODMDS has been developed and was 
included as an appendix in the FEIS. This SMMP establishes a sequence 
of monitoring surveys to be undertaken to determine any impacts 
resulting from disposal activities. The SMMP may be reviewed and 
revised by EPA. A copy of the SMMP may be obtained at any of the 
addresses given above.
    6. Dispersal, horizontal transport and vertical mixing 
characteristics of the area including prevailing current direction and 
velocity, if any (40 CFR 228.6(a)(6)).
    A detailed current study, along with fate modelling of dredged 
material, was not deemed necessary and therefore was not conducted 
within the proposed site. Transport of disposed material should not 
present any adverse impacts. In summary, littoral drift is reported to 
be predominantly southwestward, while nearshore surface currents are 
derived primarily from wind stress, and are subject to extreme 
variability.
    7. Existence and effects of current and previous discharges and 
dumping in the area (including cumulative effects) (40 CFR 
228.6(a)(7)).
    The proposed ODMDS, as well as past interim sites nearby, has been 
used to dispose of the material from the Port Royal Sound area since 
1956. Subsequent monitoring of these disposals and the long-term 
effects show that no adverse impacts have, or are likely to occur to 
the area.
    8. Interference with shipping, fishing, recreation, mineral 
extraction, desalination, fish and shellfish culture, areas of special 
scientific importance and other legitimate uses of the ocean (40 CFR 
228.6(a)(8)).
    The location of the proposed ODMDS was selected to avoid 
interference with commericial shipping. It is not anticipated that the 
proposed site would interfere with any recreational activity. In 
addition, mineral extraction, fish and shellfish culture, and 
desalination activities do not occur in the area.
    9. The existing water quality and ecology of the site as determined 
by available data or by trend assessment or baseline surveys (40 CFR 
228.6(a)(9)).
    Appropriate water quality and ecological assessments have been 
performed at the site. The most abundant benthic invertebrates found 
within the proposed site were the annelid Polygrodius sp., the bivalve 
Ervilia concentrica, the polychaete Prionospio cristata, annelids in 
the class Oligochaeta, and the bivalve Crassinella lunulata. These five 
taxa accounted for more than 40 percent of total number of individuals 
collected. More detailed information concerning the water quality and 
ecology at the proposed ODMDS is presented in the FEIS. A copy of the 
FEIS may be obtained at any of the addresses given above.
    10. Potentiality for the development or recruitment of nuisance 
species in the disposal site (40 CFR 228.6(a)(10)).
    The disposal of dredged materials should not attract or promote the 
development of nuisance species. No nuisance species have been reported 
to occur at previously utilized disposal sites in the vicinity.
    11. Existence at or in close proximity to the site of any 
significant natural or cultural features of historical importance (40 
CFR 228.6(a)(11)).
    There are no known such natural or cultural features of historical 
importance. As stated in the FEIS, this proposed action has fully 
complied with both the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act and 
the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended.

F. Site Management

    Site management of the Port Royal ODMDS is the responsibility of 
EPA in cooperation with the COE. The COE issues permits to private 
applicants for ocean disposal; however, EPA/Region 4 assumes overall 
responsibility for site management.
    The Site Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP) for the proposed 
Port Royal ODMDS was developed as a part of the process of completing 
the EIS. This plan provides procedures for both site management and for 
the monitoring of effects of disposal activities. This SMMP is intended 
to be flexible and may be reviewed and revised by the EPA.

G. Proposed Action

    The EIS concludes that the proposed site may appropriately be 
designated for use. The proposed site is compatible with the 11 
specific and 5 general criteria used for site evaluation.
    The designation of the Port Royal site as an EPA-approved ODMDS is 
being

[[Page 9022]]

published as Proposed Rulemaking. Overall management of this site is 
the responsibility of the Regional Administrator of EPA/Region 4.
    It should be emphasized that, if an ODMDS is designated, such a 
site designation does not constitute EPA's approval of actual disposal 
of material at sea. Before ocean disposal of dredged material at the 
site may commence, the COE must evaluate a permit application according 
to EPA's Ocean Dumping Criteria. EPA has the right to disapprove the 
actual disposal if it determines that environmental concerns under 
MPRSA have not been met.
    The Port Royal ODMDS is not restricted to disposal use by federal 
projects; private applicants may also dispose suitable dredged material 
at the ODMDS once relevant regulations have been satisfied. This site 
is restricted, however, to suitable dredged material from the greater 
Port Royal, South Carolina vicinity.

H. Regulatory Assessments

1. Executive Order 12866

    Under Executive Order 12866, EPA must determine whether the 
regulatory action is ``significant'' and therefore subject to OMB 
review and the requirements of the Executive Order. The Order defines 
``significant regulatory action'' as one that is likely to result in a 
rule that may:
    (A) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or 
adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or 
communities;
    (B) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
action taken or planned by another agency;
    (C) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
thereof; or
    (D) raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
the Executive Order.
    It has been determined that this proposed rule is not a 
``significant regulatory action'' under the terms of Executive Order 
12866 and is therefore not subject to OMB review.

2. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed rule would not impose an information collection 
burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) because it would not require persons to obtain, 
maintain, retain, report, or publicly disclose information to or for a 
Federal agency.

3. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, EPA is required to perform a 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for all rules that may have a 
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. EPA has 
determined that this action will not have a significant impact on small 
entities since the designation will only have the effect of providing 
an environmentally acceptable disposal option for dredged material on a 
continued basis. Consequently, by publication of this Rule, the 
Regional Administrator certifies that this action will not have a 
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities and 
therefore does not necessitate preparation of a Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis.

4. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA), Public Law 
104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, EPA 
generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-benefit 
analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal Mandates'' that 
may result in expenditures to State, local, and tribal governments, in 
the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 million or more in any 
one year. Before promulgating an EPA rule for which a written statement 
is needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires EPA to identify 
and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and adopt 
the least costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative 
that achieves the objectives of the rule. The provisions of section 205 
do not apply when they are inconsistent with applicable law. Moreover, 
section 205 allows EPA to adopt an alternative other than the least 
costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative if the 
Administrator publishes with the final rule an explanation of why that 
alternative was not adopted. Before EPA establishes any regulatory 
requirements that may significantly or uniquely affect small 
governments, including tribal governments, it must have developed under 
section 203 of the UMRA a small government agency plan. The plan must 
provide for notifying potentially affected small governments to have 
meaningful and timely input in the development of EPA regulatory 
proposals with significant Federal intergovernmental mandates, and 
informing, educating, and advising small governments on compliance with 
the regulatory requirements.
    EPA has determined that this proposed action contains no Federal 
mandates (under the regulatory provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for 
State, local and tribal governments or the private sector. It imposes 
no new enforceable duty on any State, local or tribal governments or 
the private sector. Thus, the requirements of section 202 and section 
205 of the UMRA do not apply to this proposed rule. Similarly, EPA has 
also determined that this proposed action contains no regulatory 
requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small 
government entities. Thus, the requirements of section 203 of the UMRA 
do not apply to this proposed rule.

5. Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 43255, August 
10, 1999), requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure 
``meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the 
development of regulatory policies that have federalism implications.'' 
``Policies that have federalism implications'' is defined in the 
Executive Order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct 
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.''
    This proposed rule does not have federalism implications. It will 
not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship 
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government, 
as specified in Executive Order 13132. As described elsewhere in this 
preamble, today's proposed rule would only have the effect of providing 
a continual use of an ocean disposal site pursuant to section 102(c) of 
MPRSA. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not apply to this proposed 
rule. Although section 6 of Executive Order 13132 does not apply, EPA 
did consult with State officials in developing this proposed action and 
no concerns were raised.

6. Executive Order 13175

    Executive Order 13175, entitled ``Consultation and Coordination 
with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), 
requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful 
and timely input by tribal officials in the development of regulatory 
policies that have tribal

[[Page 9023]]

implications.'' This proposed rule does not have tribal implications, 
as specified in Executive Order 13175. As described elsewhere in this 
preamble, today's proposed rule would only have the effect of providing 
continual use of an ocean disposal site pursuant to section 102(c) of 
MPRSA. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this proposed 
rule.

7. Executive Order 13045

    Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997) applies to 
any rule that: (1) Is determined to be ``economically significant'' as 
defined under Executive Order 12866, and (2) concerns an environmental 
health or safety risk that EPA has reason to believe may have a 
disproportionate effect on children. If the regulatory action meets 
both criteria, EPA must evaluate the environmental health or safety 
effects of the planned rule on children, and explain why the planned 
regulation is preferable to other potentially effective and reasonably 
feasible alternatives considered by EPA.
    This proposed rule is not subject to the Executive Order because it 
is not economically significant as defined in Executive Order 12866, 
and because EPA does not have any reason to believe the environmental 
health or safety risks addressed by this action present a 
disproportionate risk to children. As described elsewhere in this 
preamble, today's proposed rule would only have the effect of providing 
continual use of an ocean disposal site pursuant to section 102(c) of 
MPRSA.

8. Executive Order 13211

    This proposed rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211, 
``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355 (May 22, 1001)) because it 
is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.

9. National Technology Transfer Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer Advancement Act 
of 1995 (``NTTAA''), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 
note), directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its 
regulatory activities unless doing so would be inconsistent with 
applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards 
are technical standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, 
sampling procedures, and business practices) that are developed or 
adopted by voluntary consensus bodies. The NTTAA directs EPA to provide 
Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides not to use 
available and applicable voluntary consensus standards. This proposed 
rule does not involve technical standards. Therefore, EPA did not 
consider the use of any voluntary consensus standards.

10. Executive Order 12898

    Executive Order 12898 requires that, to the greatest extent 
practicable and permitted by law, each Federal agency must make 
achieving environmental justice part of its mission. Executive Order 
12898 provides that each Federal agency must conduct its programs, 
policies, and activities that substantially affect human health or the 
environment in a manner that ensures that such programs, policies, and 
activities do not have the effect of excluding persons (including 
populations) from participation in, denying persons (including 
populations) the benefits of, or subjecting persons (including 
populations) to discrimination under such programs, policies, and 
activities because of their race, color, or national origin.
    No action from this proposed rule would have a disproportionately 
high and adverse human health and environmental effect on any 
particular segment of the population. In addition, this rule does not 
impose substantial direct compliance costs on those communities. 
Accordingly, the requirements of Executive Order 12898 do not apply.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 228

    Environmental protection, Water pollution control.

    Dated: February 7, 2005.
J. I. Palmer, Jr.,
Regional Administrator for Region 4.

    In consideration of the foregoing, Subchapter H of Chapter I of 
Title 40 is proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 228--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 228 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1412 and 1418.

    2. Section 228.15 is amended by adding paragraph (h)(23) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  228.15  Dumping sites designated on a final basis.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (23) Port Royal, SC; Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site.
    (i) Location (NAD83): 32[deg]05.00' N., 80[deg]36.47' W.; 32[deg] 
05.00' N., 80[deg]35.30' W.; 32[deg]04.00' N., 80[deg] 35.30' W.; 
32[deg]04.00' N., 80[deg]36.47' W.
    (ii) Size: Approximately 1.0 square nautical miles.
    (iii) Depth: Averages 36 feet.
    (iv) Primary use: Dredged material.
    (v) Period of use: Continuing use.
    (vi) Restriction: Disposal shall be limited to suitable dredged 
material from the greater Port Royal, South Carolina vicinity. Disposal 
shall comply with conditions set forth in the most recent approved Site 
Management and Monitoring Plan.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 05-3525 Filed 2-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P