National Management Measures To Control Nonpoint Source Pollution From Hydromodification, 40517-40519 [E6-11248]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 136 / Monday, July 17, 2006 / Notices rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES Availability of Meeting Materials: The Air Quality Criteria for Lead (Second External Review Draft), Volumes I and II (May 2005) can be accessed via the Agency’s NCEA Web site at: https:// cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/ recordisplay.cfm?deid=141779https:// cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/ recordisplay.cfm?deid=154041. NCEA– RTP plans to post the revised draft Executive Summary and Chapter 7 (Integrative Synthesis) on the NCEA Web Site by August 1, 2006. Any questions concerning the second draft Lead AQCD should be directed to Dr. Lori White, NCEA–RTP, at phone: (919) 541–3146, or e-mail: white.lori@epa.gov. A copy of the draft agenda for the CASAC teleconference and other meeting materials will be posted on the SAB Web site prior to this meeting at: https://www.epa.gov/sab/panels/ casac_lead_review_panel.htm. Procedures for Providing Public Input: Interested members of the public may submit relevant written or oral information for the CASAC Lead Review Panel to consider during the advisory process. Oral Statements: In general, individuals or groups requesting an oral presentation at a public teleconference will be limited to three minutes per speaker, with no more than a total of 30 minutes for all speakers. Interested parties should contact Mr. Butterfield, CASAC DFO, in writing (preferably via e-mail), by August 8, 2006, at the contact information noted above, to be placed on the list of public speakers for this meeting. Written Statements: Written statements should be received in the SAB Staff Office by August 11, 2006, so that the information may be made available to the CASAC Panel for their consideration prior to this teleconference. Written statements should be supplied to the DFO in the following formats: one hard copy with original signature, and one electronic copy via e-mail (acceptable file format: Adobe Acrobat PDF, WordPerfect, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, or Rich Text files in IBM–PC/Windows 98/2000/XP format). Accessibility: For information on access or services for individuals with disabilities, please contact Mr. Butterfield at the phone number or e-mail address noted above, preferably at least ten days prior to the meeting, to give EPA as much time as possible to process your request. Dated: July 11, 2006. Anthony F. Maciorowski, Associate Director for Science, EPA Science Advisory Board Staff Office. [FR Doc. E6–11247 Filed 7–14–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:41 Jul 14, 2006 Jkt 208001 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OW–2006–0021; FRL–8198–5] National Management Measures To Control Nonpoint Source Pollution From Hydromodification Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: SUMMARY: EPA is requesting comment on draft technical guidance for managing nonpoint source pollution from hydromodification. The term hydromodification refers to an activity that alters the geometry and physical characteristics of a stream or river in such a way that the flow patterns change. This guidance is intended to provide technical assistance to states, territories, authorized tribes, and the public for managing hydromodification and reducing nonpoint source pollution of surface and ground water. The guidance provides background information about nonpoint source pollution from activities associated with channelization and channel modification, dams, and streambank and shoreline erosion. It discusses the broad concepts of assessing and addressing water quality problems on a watershed level, and it presents up-todate technical information about how to reduce nonpoint source pollution from hydromodification. Implementation of the guidance will result in increased use of scientifically sound, cost-effective hydromodification management measures, and will support states in their efforts to implement their Nonpoint Source Control Programs. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 16, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OW–2006–0021 by one of the following methods: —www.regulations.gov: Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. —E-mail: OW-Docket@epa.gov —Mail: Office of Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 4101T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460 —Hand Delivery: Office of Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Public Reading Room, Room B102, EPA West Building, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40517 Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2006– 0021. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov. The www.regulations.gov Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https:// www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Office of Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Public Reading Room, Room B102, EPA West Building, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and the telephone number for the Office of Water Docket is (202) 566–2426. The complete text of the draft guidance is available on EPA’s Internet E:\FR\FM\17JYN1.SGM 17JYN1 40518 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 136 / Monday, July 17, 2006 / Notices site on the Nonpoint Source Control Branch’s homepage at https:// www.epa.gov/owow/nps/pubs.html. Copies of the complete draft guidance can also be obtained upon request. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Solloway, Assessment and Watershed Protection Division, Office of Water, Mailcode: 4503T, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number (202) 566–1202; fax number (202) 566–1437; e-mail address: Solloway.chris@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Interested Entities Entities potentially interested in today’s notice are those that manage watersheds potentially affected by hydromodification. Categories and entities interested in today’s notice include: Category Examples of interested entities State/Local/Tribal Government ................................................................. Water Quality Officials, Public Land Management Officials, Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators. Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA), Forest Service (USDA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Transportation. Resource Management Associations, Trade Group Associations, Professional Associations, Environmental Groups. Federal Government ................................................................................. Non-government organizations ................................................................ This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be interested in this notice. This table lists the types of entities that EPA is aware could potentially be interested in this notice. Other types of entities not listed in the table could also be interested. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA? 1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through www.regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is claimed as CBI). In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. 2. Tips for Preparing Your Comments. When submitting comments, remember to: • Identify the rulemaking by docket number and other identifying information (subject heading, Federal Register date and page number). • Follow directions—The agency may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number. • Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:41 Jul 14, 2006 Jkt 208001 • Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/ or data that you used. • If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced. • Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and suggest alternatives. • Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats. • Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified. II. Background In 1993, under the authority of section 6217(g) of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments, EPA issued Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal Waters. That guidance document details management measures appropriate for the control of five categories of nonpoint sources of pollution in the coastal zone: agriculture, forestry, urban areas, marinas and recreational boating, and hydromodification. The document also includes management measures for wetlands, riparian areas, and vegetated treatment systems because they are important to the abatement of nonpoint source pollution in coastal waters. States and territories were required to adopt measures ‘‘in conformity’’ with the coastal management measures guidance for their Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs. State, territory, and tribal water quality assessments continue to identify nonpoint source pollution as a major cause of degradation in surveyed waters nationwide. In 1987, Congress enacted section 319 of the Clean Water Act to establish a national program to control PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 nonpoint sources of water pollution. Under section 319, states, territories, and tribes address nonpoint source pollution by assessing the nonpoint source pollution problems within the state, territory, or tribal lands; identifying the sources of pollution; and implementing management programs to control the pollution. Section 319 also authorizes EPA to award grants to states, territories, and tribes to assist them in implementing management programs that EPA has approved. Program implementation includes nonregulatory and regulatory programs, technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer, and demonstration projects. In fiscal year 2005, Congress appropriated and EPA awarded approximately $207 million for state nonpoint source management program grants. The 1993 management measures guidance focused on conditions of and examples from the coastal zone. The draft national management measures guidance is intended to expand the focus nationwide to provide technical guidance on effective measures for managing hydromodification for the abatement of nonpoint source pollution. Although the practices detailed in the 1993 coastal guidance apply generally to inland areas, EPA has recognized the utility of developing and publishing technical guidance that explicitly addresses nonpoint source pollution on a nationwide basis. Moreover, additional information and examples from research and experience to date with implementation of the management measures are available to enrich the national guidance. These changes have helped to prompt the revision and expansion of the hydromodification chapter of the 1993 guidance. E:\FR\FM\17JYN1.SGM 17JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 136 / Monday, July 17, 2006 / Notices III. Scope of the Draft Hydromodification Guidance—Sources of Nonpoint Source Pollution Addressed Dated: July 6, 2006. Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water. [FR Doc. E6–11248 Filed 7–14–06; 8:45 am] The draft technical guidance continues to focus on the major sources of pollution from hydromodification identified for the 1993 coastal guidance by EPA in consultation with a number of other Federal agencies and other leading national experts, including several experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Specifically, the guidance identifies management measures for the following: Channelization and Channel Modification • Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Surface Water • Instream and Riparian Habitat Restoration • Dams • Erosion and Sediment Control • Chemical and Pollutant Control • Protection of Surface Water Quality and Instream and Riparian Habitat • Streambank and Shoreline Erosion • Eroding Streambanks and Shorelines BILLING CODE 6560–50–P IV. Approach Used To Develop Guidance The draft management measures guidance is based in large part on the 1993 coastal guidance. The coastal guidance was developed using a workgroup approach to draw upon technical expertise within other Federal agencies as well as state water quality and coastal zone management agencies. The 1993 text has been expanded to include information on the application and effectiveness of hydromodification BMPs from recent research, the cost of installing BMPs, watershed-scale and ecological impacts of hydromodification activities, and certification programs for personnel involved in construction and dam removal. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES V. Request for Comments EPA is soliciting comments on the draft guidance on nonpoint source management measures for hydromodification. The Agency is soliciting additional information and supporting data on the measures specified in this guidance and on additional measures that may be as effective or more effective in controlling nonpoint source pollution from hydromodification. EPA requests that commenters focus their comments on the technical soundness of the draft management measures guidance. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:41 Jul 14, 2006 Jkt 208001 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [Docket # EPA–RO4–SFUND–2006–0595; FRL–8198–2] Henry Wood Preserving Superfund Site; Hemingway, Williamsburg County, SC; Notice of Settlement Environmental Protection Agency. ACTION: Notice of settlement. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Under section 122(h)(1) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLS), the United States Environmental Protection Agency has entered into a proposed settlement for the reimbursement of past response costs concerning the Henry Wood Preserving Superfund Site located in Hemingway, Willamsburg County, South Carolina. DATES: The Agency will consider public comments on the settlements until August 16, 2006. The Agency will consider all comments received and may modify or withdraw its consent to the settlements if comments received disclose facts or considerations which indicate that the settlements are inappropriate, improper, or inadequate. ADDRESSES: Copies of the settlement are available from Ms. Paula V. Batchelor. Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–RO4–SFUND–2006– 0595 or Site name Henry Wood Preserving Superfund Site by one of the following methods: • https://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: Batchelor.Paula@epa.gov. • Fax: 404/562–8842/Attn: Paula V. Batchelor. • Mail: Ms. Paula V. Batchelor, U.S. EPA Region 4, WMD–SEIMB, 61 Forsyth Street, SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303. ‘‘In addition, please mail a copy of your comments on the information collection provisions to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attn: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th St. NW., Washington, DC 20503.’’ Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA–RO4–SFUND–2006–0595. EPA’s policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40519 available online at https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through https:// www.regulations.gov or e-mail. The https://www.regulations.gov Web site is an ‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through https:// www.regulations.gov your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD–ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional information about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at https:// www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the https:// www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in https:// www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the U.S. EPA Region 4 office located at 61 Forsyth Street, SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Regional office is open from 7 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. Written comments may be submitted to Ms. Batchelor within 30 calendar days of the date of this publication. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paula V. Batchelor at 404/562–8887 E:\FR\FM\17JYN1.SGM 17JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 136 (Monday, July 17, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40517-40519]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11248]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OW-2006-0021; FRL-8198-5]


National Management Measures To Control Nonpoint Source Pollution 
From Hydromodification

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: EPA is requesting comment on draft technical guidance for 
managing nonpoint source pollution from hydromodification. The term 
hydromodification refers to an activity that alters the geometry and 
physical characteristics of a stream or river in such a way that the 
flow patterns change. This guidance is intended to provide technical 
assistance to states, territories, authorized tribes, and the public 
for managing hydromodification and reducing nonpoint source pollution 
of surface and ground water. The guidance provides background 
information about nonpoint source pollution from activities associated 
with channelization and channel modification, dams, and streambank and 
shoreline erosion. It discusses the broad concepts of assessing and 
addressing water quality problems on a watershed level, and it presents 
up-to-date technical information about how to reduce nonpoint source 
pollution from hydromodification. Implementation of the guidance will 
result in increased use of scientifically sound, cost-effective 
hydromodification management measures, and will support states in their 
efforts to implement their Nonpoint Source Control Programs.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 16, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-
2006-0021 by one of the following methods:
--www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting 
comments.
--E-mail: OW-Docket@epa.gov
--Mail: Office of Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, 
Mailcode: 4101T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460
--Hand Delivery: Office of Water Docket, Environmental Protection 
Agency, Public Reading Room, Room B102, EPA West Building, 1301 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. Such deliveries are only 
accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special 
arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information.

    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2006-
0021. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in 
the public docket without change and may be made available online at 
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, 
unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential 
Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is 
restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to 
be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov. The 
www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access'' system, which 
means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you 
provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment 
directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov your e-mail 
address will be automatically captured and included as part of the 
comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the 
Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you 
include your name and other contact information in the body of your 
comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic 
files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of 
encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional 
information about EPA's public docket visit the EPA Docket Center 
homepage at https://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.
    Docket: All documents in the docket are listed in the 
www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some 
information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other information 
whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such 
as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. 
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically 
in www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Office of Water Docket, 
Environmental Protection Agency, Public Reading Room, Room B102, EPA 
West Building, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. The 
Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public 
Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the Office 
of Water Docket is (202) 566-2426.
    The complete text of the draft guidance is available on EPA's 
Internet

[[Page 40518]]

site on the Nonpoint Source Control Branch's homepage at https://
www.epa.gov/owow/nps/pubs.html. Copies of the complete draft guidance 
can also be obtained upon request.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Solloway, Assessment and 
Watershed Protection Division, Office of Water, Mailcode: 4503T, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number (202) 566-1202; fax number (202) 
566-1437; e-mail address: Solloway.chris@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Interested Entities

    Entities potentially interested in today's notice are those that 
manage watersheds potentially affected by hydromodification. Categories 
and entities interested in today's notice include:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Category                 Examples of interested entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State/Local/Tribal Government..........  Water Quality Officials, Public
                                          Land Management Officials,
                                          Association of State and
                                          Interstate Water Pollution
                                          Control Administrators.
Federal Government.....................  Army Corps of Engineers,
                                          Natural Resources Conservation
                                          Service (USDA), Forest Service
                                          (USDA), National Oceanic and
                                          Atmospheric Administration,
                                          Department of Transportation.
Non-government organizations...........  Resource Management
                                          Associations, Trade Group
                                          Associations, Professional
                                          Associations, Environmental
                                          Groups.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide for readers regarding entities likely to be interested in this 
notice. This table lists the types of entities that EPA is aware could 
potentially be interested in this notice. Other types of entities not 
listed in the table could also be interested.

B. What Should I Consider as I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    1. Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through 
www.regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark the part or all of the 
information that you claim to be CBI. For CBI information in a disk or 
CD ROM that you mail to EPA, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM as 
CBI and then identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the 
specific information that is claimed as CBI). In addition to one 
complete version of the comment that includes information claimed as 
CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information 
claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public docket. 
Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with 
procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2.
    2. Tips for Preparing Your Comments. When submitting comments, 
remember to:
     Identify the rulemaking by docket number and other 
identifying information (subject heading, Federal Register date and 
page number).
     Follow directions--The agency may ask you to respond to 
specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number.
     Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives 
and substitute language for your requested changes.
     Describe any assumptions and provide any technical 
information and/or data that you used.
     If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how 
you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be 
reproduced.
     Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and 
suggest alternatives.
     Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the 
use of profanity or personal threats.
     Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period 
deadline identified.

II. Background

    In 1993, under the authority of section 6217(g) of the Coastal Zone 
Act Reauthorization Amendments, EPA issued Guidance Specifying 
Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal 
Waters. That guidance document details management measures appropriate 
for the control of five categories of nonpoint sources of pollution in 
the coastal zone: agriculture, forestry, urban areas, marinas and 
recreational boating, and hydromodification. The document also includes 
management measures for wetlands, riparian areas, and vegetated 
treatment systems because they are important to the abatement of 
nonpoint source pollution in coastal waters. States and territories 
were required to adopt measures ``in conformity'' with the coastal 
management measures guidance for their Coastal Nonpoint Pollution 
Control Programs.
    State, territory, and tribal water quality assessments continue to 
identify nonpoint source pollution as a major cause of degradation in 
surveyed waters nationwide. In 1987, Congress enacted section 319 of 
the Clean Water Act to establish a national program to control nonpoint 
sources of water pollution. Under section 319, states, territories, and 
tribes address nonpoint source pollution by assessing the nonpoint 
source pollution problems within the state, territory, or tribal lands; 
identifying the sources of pollution; and implementing management 
programs to control the pollution. Section 319 also authorizes EPA to 
award grants to states, territories, and tribes to assist them in 
implementing management programs that EPA has approved. Program 
implementation includes nonregulatory and regulatory programs, 
technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, 
technology transfer, and demonstration projects. In fiscal year 2005, 
Congress appropriated and EPA awarded approximately $207 million for 
state nonpoint source management program grants.
    The 1993 management measures guidance focused on conditions of and 
examples from the coastal zone. The draft national management measures 
guidance is intended to expand the focus nationwide to provide 
technical guidance on effective measures for managing hydromodification 
for the abatement of nonpoint source pollution. Although the practices 
detailed in the 1993 coastal guidance apply generally to inland areas, 
EPA has recognized the utility of developing and publishing technical 
guidance that explicitly addresses nonpoint source pollution on a 
nationwide basis. Moreover, additional information and examples from 
research and experience to date with implementation of the management 
measures are available to enrich the national guidance. These changes 
have helped to prompt the revision and expansion of the 
hydromodification chapter of the 1993 guidance.

[[Page 40519]]

III. Scope of the Draft Hydromodification Guidance--Sources of Nonpoint 
Source Pollution Addressed

    The draft technical guidance continues to focus on the major 
sources of pollution from hydromodification identified for the 1993 
coastal guidance by EPA in consultation with a number of other Federal 
agencies and other leading national experts, including several experts 
from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Specifically, the guidance 
identifies management measures for the following:
Channelization and Channel Modification
     Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Surface Water
     Instream and Riparian Habitat Restoration
     Dams
     Erosion and Sediment Control
     Chemical and Pollutant Control
     Protection of Surface Water Quality and Instream and 
Riparian Habitat
     Streambank and Shoreline Erosion
     Eroding Streambanks and Shorelines

IV. Approach Used To Develop Guidance

    The draft management measures guidance is based in large part on 
the 1993 coastal guidance. The coastal guidance was developed using a 
workgroup approach to draw upon technical expertise within other 
Federal agencies as well as state water quality and coastal zone 
management agencies.
    The 1993 text has been expanded to include information on the 
application and effectiveness of hydromodification BMPs from recent 
research, the cost of installing BMPs, watershed-scale and ecological 
impacts of hydromodification activities, and certification programs for 
personnel involved in construction and dam removal.

V. Request for Comments

    EPA is soliciting comments on the draft guidance on nonpoint source 
management measures for hydromodification. The Agency is soliciting 
additional information and supporting data on the measures specified in 
this guidance and on additional measures that may be as effective or 
more effective in controlling nonpoint source pollution from 
hydromodification. EPA requests that commenters focus their comments on 
the technical soundness of the draft management measures guidance.

    Dated: July 6, 2006.
Benjamin H. Grumbles,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Water.
 [FR Doc. E6-11248 Filed 7-14-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.