Modification to 2008 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities, 22891-22895 [2011-9926]
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 79 / Monday, April 25, 2011 / Notices
VI. Executive Order 13175:
Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments
In compliance with Executive Order
13175, EPA is in the process of
consulting with tribal officials to gain an
understanding of and, where necessary,
to address the tribal implications of the
draft CGP. In the course of this
consultation, EPA plans to undertake
the following activities:
1. Provide education and outreach on
the draft CGP;
2. Hold national conference call(s) to
discuss issues and concerns of the tribes
and document discussions held in this
call;
3. Solicit comment on the draft
permit; and
4. Provide feedback through a written
communication explaining how tribal
issues and concerns were considered in
the final action. This communication
will be completed and made available to
the tribes at the same time the permit is
promulgated and the other responses to
the comments are published.
Authority: Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C.
1251 et seq.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
H. Curtis Spalding,
Regional Administrator, EPA Region 1.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Carl-Axel P. Soderberg,
Division Director, Caribbean Environmental
Protection Division, EPA Region 2.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Kevin Bricke,
Acting Director, Division of Environmental
Planning & Protection, EPA. Region 2.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Jon M. Capacasa,
Director, Water Protection Division, EPA
Region 3.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Douglas Mundrick,
Acting Director, Water Protection Division,
EPA Region 4.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Tinka G. Hyde,
Director, Water Division, EPA Region 5.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Miguel I. Flores,
Director, Water Quality Protection Division,
EPA Region 6.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Jamie Green,
Acting Director, Water, Wetlands and
Pesticides Division, EPA Region 7.
Dated: April 11, 2011.
Stephen S. Tuber,
Assistant Regional Administrator, EPA
Region 8.
Dated: April 11, 2011.
Alexis Strauss,
Director, Water Division, EPA Region 9.
Dated: April 11, 2011.
Michael A. Bussell,
Director, Office of Water and Watersheds,
EPA Region 10.
[FR Doc. 2011–9929 Filed 4–22–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
[FRL–9297–8; EPA–HQ–OW–2008–0238]
Modification to 2008 National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) General Permit for
Stormwater Discharges Associated
with Construction Activities
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
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AGENCY:
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Notice.
EPA Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, and 10 propose to modify the 2008
National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) general
permits for stormwater discharges
associated with construction activity in
order to extend until January 31, 2012
the expiration date of the permit.
Hereinafter, these NPDES general
permits will be referred to as ‘‘permit’’ or
‘‘2008 construction general permit’’ or
‘‘2008 CGP.’’ This proposed modification
would, if finalized, extend the threeyear permit so that it expires on January
31, 2012 instead of June 30, 2011. Prior
to this proposed extension, EPA
modified the 2008 CGP in January 2010
to extend the permit by one year, thus
making it a three-year permit. By
Federal law, no NPDES permit may be
issued for a period that exceeds five
years.
SUMMARY:
EPA is proposing a modification
to its 2008 CGP that would extend the
permit until January 31, 2012. If the
proposed modification is finalized, the
2008 CGP would expire on midnight,
January 31, 2012, instead of June 30,
2011. Comments on EPA’s proposal
must be postmarked by May 25, 2011.
DATES:
Greg
Schaner, Water Permits Division, Office
of Wastewater Management (Mail Code:
4203M), Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW., EPA East, Washington, DC 20460;
telephone number: (202) 564–0721; fax
number: (202) 564–6431; email address:
schaner.greg@epa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
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I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
If a discharger chooses to apply for
coverage under the 2008 CGP, the
permit provides specific requirements
for preventing contamination of
waterbodies from stormwater discharges
from the following construction
activities:
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 79 / Monday, April 25, 2011 / Notices
Category
North American
Industry
Classification
System (NAICS)
Code
Examples of affected entities
Industry.
Construction site operators disturbing 1 or more acres of land, or less than 1 acre but part of a larger common plan of
development or sale if the larger common plan will ultimately disturb 1 acre or more, and performing the following
activities:
Building, Developing and General Contracting ...................................................................................
Heavy Construction .............................................................................................................................
the docket are listed in an index, some
information is not publicly available,
i.e., Confidential Business Information
(CBI) or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute.
Publicly available docket materials are
available electronically through
www.regulations.gov and in hard copy
at the EPA Docket Center Public
Reading Room, 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 Water Docket is (202)
566–2426.
2. Electronic Access. You may access
this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet
under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at
https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. Electronic
versions of the final permit and fact
sheet are available at EPA’s stormwater
website https://www.epa.gov/npdes/
stormwater.
An electronic version of the public
docket is available through EPA’s
electronic public docket and comment
system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA
Dockets at https://www.regulations.gov/
fdmspublic/component/main to view
public comments, access the index
listing of the contents of the official
public docket, and to access those
documents in the public docket that are
available electronically. Once in the
system, select ‘‘search’’, then key in the
appropriate docket identification
number.
Certain types of information will not
be placed in the EPA Dockets.
Information claimed as CBI and other
information whose disclosure is
B. How can I get copies of this document restricted by statute, which is not
and other related information?
included in the official public docket,
will not be available for public viewing
1. Docket. EPA has established an
in EPA’s electronic public docket. EPA
official public docket for this action
policy is that copyrighted material will
under Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–
2008–0238. The official public docket is not be placed in EPA’s electronic public
docket but will be available only in
the collection of materials that is
available for public viewing at the Water printed, paper form in the official public
Docket in the EPA Docket Center, (EPA/ docket. Although not all docket
materials may be available
DC) EPA West, Room 3334, 1301
electronically, you may still access any
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington,
of the publicly available docket
DC 20460. Although all documents in
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EPA does not intend the preceding
table to be exhaustive, but provides it as
a guide for readers regarding entities
likely to be regulated by this action.
This table lists the types of activities
that EPA is now aware of that could
potentially be affected by this action.
Other types of entities not listed in the
table could also be affected. To
determine whether your facility is
affected by this action, you should
carefully examine the definition of
‘‘construction activity’’ and ‘‘small
construction activity’’ in existing EPA
regulations at 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14)(x)
and 122.26(b)(15), respectively. If you
have questions regarding the
applicability of this action to a
particular entity, consult the person
listed for technical information in the
preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section.
Eligibility for coverage under the 2008
CGP is limited to operators of ‘‘new
projects’’ or ‘‘unpermitted ongoing
projects.’’ A ‘‘new project’’ is one that
commences after the effective date of
the 2008 CGP. An ‘‘unpermitted ongoing
project’’ is one that commenced prior to
the effective date of the 2008 CGP, yet
never received authorization to
discharge under the 2003 CGP or any
other NPDES permit covering its
construction-related stormwater
discharges. Construction sites that
originally obtained permit coverage
under the 2003 CGP will continue to be
covered under that permit. The 2008
CGP is effective only in those areas
where EPA is the permitting authority.
A list of eligible areas is included in
Appendix B of the 2008 CGP.
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233
234
materials through the docket facility
identified in Section I.B.1.
Submitting CBI. Do not submit this
information to EPA through
regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark
all of the information that you claim to
be CBI. For CBI information on
computer disks mailed to EPA, mark the
surface of the disk as CBI. Also identify
electronically the specific information
contained in the disk or that you claim
is CBI. In addition to one complete
version of the specific information
claimed as CBI, you must submit a copy
that does not contain the information
claimed as CBI for inclusion in the
public document. Information so
marked will not be disclosed except in
accordance with procedures set forth in
40 CFR Part 2.
For public commenters, it is
important to note that EPA’s policy is
that public comments, whether
submitted electronically or in paper,
will be made available for public
viewing in EPA’s electronic public
docket as EPA receives them and
without change, unless the comment
contains copyrighted material, CBI, or
other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute. When EPA
identifies a comment containing
copyrighted material, EPA will provide
a reference to that material in the
version of the comment that is placed in
EPA’s electronic public docket. The
entire printed comment, including the
copyrighted material, will be available
in the public docket.
Public comments submitted on
computer disks that are mailed or
delivered to the docket will be
transferred to EPA’s electronic public
docket. Public comments that are
mailed or delivered to the docket will be
scanned and placed in EPA’s electronic
public docket. Where practical, physical
objects will be photographed, and the
photograph will be placed in EPA’s
electronic public docket along with a
brief description written by the docket
staff.
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C. How and to whom do I submit
comments?
You may submit comments
electronically, by mail, or through hand
delivery/courier. To ensure proper
receipt by EPA, identify the appropriate
docket identification number in the
subject line on the first page of your
comment. To ensure that EPA can read,
understand, and therefore properly
respond to comments, the Agency
would prefer that commenters cite,
where possible, the paragraph(s) or
section in the fact sheet or permit to
which each comment refers. Please
ensure that your comments are
submitted within the specified comment
period. Comments received after the
close of the comment period will be
marked ‘‘late.’’ EPA is not required to
consider these late comments.
1. Electronically. If you submit an
electronic comment as prescribed
below, EPA recommends that you
include your name, mailing address,
and an e-mail address or other contact
information in the body of your
comment. Also include this contact
information on the outside of any disk
or CD–ROM you submit, and in any
cover letter accompanying the disk or
CD–ROM. This ensures that you can be
identified as the submitter of the
comment and allows EPA to contact you
in case EPA cannot read your comment
due to technical difficulties or needs
further information on the substance of
your comment. EPA’s policy is that EPA
will not edit your comment, and any
identifying or contact information
provided in the body of a comment will
be included as part of the comment that
is placed in the official public docket,
and made available in EPA’s electronic
public docket. 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.
i. EPA Dockets. Your use of EPA’s
electronic public docket to submit
comments to EPA electronically is
EPA’s preferred method for receiving
comments. The system is an
‘‘anonymous access’’ system, which
means EPA will not know your identity,
email address, or other contact
information unless you provide it in the
body of your comment.
ii. E-mail. In contrast to EPA’s
electronic public docket, EPA’s e-mail
system is not an ‘‘anonymous access’’
system. If you send an e-mail comment
directly to the Docket without going
through EPA’s electronic public docket,
EPA’s e-mail system automatically
captures your e-mail address. E-mail
addresses that are automatically
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captured by EPA’s e-mail system are
included as part of the comment that is
placed in the official public docket, and
made available in EPA’s electronic
public docket.
iii. Disk or CD–ROM. These electronic
submissions will be accepted in
Microsoft Word or ASCII file format.
Avoid the use of special characters and
any form of encryption.
2. By mail. Send the original and three
copies of your comments.
3. By Hand Delivery or Courier. Such
deliveries are only accepted during the
Docket’s normal hours of operation as
identified in Section I.B.
D. Public Hearings
EPA has not scheduled any public
hearings to receive public comment
concerning the proposed extension. All
persons will continue to have the right
to provide written comments during the
public comment period. However,
interested persons may request a public
hearing pursuant to 40 CFR 124.12
concerning the proposed extension.
Requests for a public hearing must be
sent or delivered in writing to the same
address as provided above for public
comments prior to the close of the
comment period. Requests for a public
hearing must state the nature of the
issues proposed to be raised in the
hearing. Pursuant to 40 CFR 124.12,
EPA shall hold a public hearing if it
finds, on the basis of requests, a
significant degree of public interest in a
public hearing on the proposed
extension. If EPA decides to hold a
public hearing, a public notice of the
date, time and place of the hearing will
be made at least 30 days prior to the
hearing. Any person may provide
written or oral statements and data
pertaining to the proposed permit at the
public hearing.
E. Finalizing This Action
This action will not be finalized until
after all significant public comments
have been considered and addressed.
EPA’s response to public comments
received will be included in the docket
as part of the final action. Once the final
permit becomes effective, operators of
new and unpermitted ongoing
construction projects may seek
authorization under the 2008 CGP prior
to the midnight January 31, 2012
expiration date.
F. Who are the EPA Regional contacts
for this permit?
For EPA Region 1, contact Jessica
Hing at tel.: (617) 918–1560 or e-mail at
hing.jessica@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 2, contact Stephen
Venezia at tel.: (212) 637–3856 or e-mail
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at venezia.stephen@epa.gov, or for
Puerto Rico, contact Sergio Bosques at
tel.: (787) 977–5838 or e-mail at
bosques.sergio@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 3, contact Chuck
Schadel at tel.: (215) 814–5761 or e-mail
at schadel.chuck@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 5, contact Brian Bell
at tel.: (312) 886–0981 or e-mail at
bell.brianc@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 6, contact Suzanna
Perea at tel.: (214) 665–7217 or e-mail
at: perea.suzannabrent@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 7, contact Mark
Matthews at tel.: (913) 551–7635 or
e-mail at: matthews.mark@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 8, contact Amy Clark
at tel.: (303) 312–7014 or e-mail at:
clark.amy@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 9, contact Eugene
Bromley at tel.: (415) 972–3510 or
e-mail at bromley.eugene@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 10, contact Misha
Vakoc at tel.: (206) 553–6650 or e-mail
at vakoc.misha@epa.gov.
II. Background of Permit
A. Statutory and Regulatory History
The Clean Water Act (‘‘CWA’’)
establishes a comprehensive program
‘‘to restore and maintain the chemical,
physical, and biological integrity of the
Nation’s waters.’’ 33 U.S.C. 1251(a). The
CWA also includes the objective of
attaining ‘‘water quality which provides
for the protection and propagation of
fish, shellfish and wildlife and * * *
recreation in and on the water.’’ 33
U.S.C. 1251(a)(2)). To achieve these
goals, the CWA requires EPA to control
point source discharges of pollutants to
waters of the United States through the
issuance of National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (‘‘NPDES’’) permits.
The Water Quality Act of 1987 (WQA)
added section 402(p) of the Clean Water
Act (CWA), which directed EPA to
develop a phased approach to regulate
stormwater discharges under the NPDES
program. 33 U.S.C. 1342(p). EPA
published a final regulation in the
Federal Register, often called the ‘‘Phase
I Rule’’ on November 16, 1990,
establishing, among other things, permit
application requirements for, among
other things, ‘‘storm water discharges
associated with industrial activity.’’ See
55 FR 47990. EPA defines the term
‘‘storm water discharge associated with
industrial activity’’ in a comprehensive
manner to cover a wide variety of
facilities. See id. Construction activities,
including activities that are part of a
larger common plan of development or
sale, that ultimately disturb at least five
acres of land and have point source
discharges to waters of the U.S. were
included in the definition of ‘‘industrial
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activity’’ pursuant to 40 CFR
122.26(b)(14)(x). The second rule
implementing section 402(p), often
called the Phase II Rule, was published
in the Federal Register on December 8,
1999, requires NPDES permits for
discharges from construction sites
disturbing at least one acre but less than
five acres, including sites that are less
than one acre but are part of a larger
common plan of development or sale
that will ultimately disturb at least one
acre but less than five acres, pursuant to
40 CFR 122.26(b)(15)(i). See 64 FR
68722.
NPDES permits issued for
construction stormwater discharges are
required under Section 402(a)(1) of the
CWA to include conditions for meeting
technology-based effluent limits
established under Section 301 and,
where applicable, Section 306. Once an
effluent limitations guideline or new
source performance standard is
promulgated in accordance with these
sections, NPDES permits issued by the
NPDES permitting authorities must
incorporate requirements based on such
limitations and standards. See 40 CFR
122.44(a)(1). Prior to the promulgation
of national effluent limitations
guidelines and new source performance
standards, permitting authorities
incorporate technology-based effluent
limitations on a best professional
judgment basis. CWA section
402(a)(1)(B); 40 CFR 125.3(a)(2)(ii)(B).
B. Summary of 2008 CGP
EPA announced the issuance of the
2008 CGP on July 14, 2008. See 73 FR
40338. Construction operators choosing
to be covered by the 2008 CGP must
certify in their notice of intent (NOI)
that they meet the requisite eligibility
requirements described in Part 1.3 of the
permit. If eligible, operators are
authorized to discharge under this
permit in accordance with Part 2.
Permittees must install and implement
control measures to meet the effluent
limits applicable to all dischargers in
Part 3, and must inspect such
stormwater controls and repair or
modify them in accordance with Part 4.
The permit in Part 5 requires all
construction operators to prepare a
stormwater pollution prevention plan
(SWPPP) that identifies all sources of
pollution, and describes control
measures used to minimize pollutants
discharged from the construction site.
Part 6 details the requirements for
terminating coverage under the permit.
The 2008 CGP permit provides
coverage for discharges from
construction sites that occur in areas not
covered by an approved State NPDES
program. EPA Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7,
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8, 9, and 10 issued the 2008 CGP to
replace the expired 2003 CGP for
operators of new and unpermitted
ongoing construction projects. The
geographic coverage and scope of the
2008 CGP is listed in Appendix B of the
permit.
C. What Is EPA’s rationale for the
modification of the 2008 CGP for an
extension of the expiration date?
As stated above, EPA proposes to
modify the 2008 CGP by extending to
January 31, 2012 the expiration date of
the permit. EPA finds it necessary to
propose this extension in order to
provide sufficient time to finalize the
new CGP, which will incorporate for the
first time new effluent limitations
guidelines and new source performance
standards, which EPA promulgated in
December 2009. The extension is
necessary in order to make up for a
delay in the issuance process of the new
CGP due to an error discovered in the
December 2009 final rule regarding the
calculation of the numeric limitation on
turbidity. This numeric limit has since
been stayed by EPA. EPA’s proposed
extension would provide the Agency
with sufficient time to account for this
delay and to meet its other permit
issuance obligations.
NPDES permits issued for
construction stormwater discharges are
required under Section 402(a)(1) of the
CWA to include conditions for meeting
technology-based effluent limits
established under Section 301 and,
where applicable, Section 306. Once an
effluent limitations guideline or new
source performance standard is
promulgated in accordance with these
sections, any NPDES permits issued
after the effective date of these
requirements must incorporate limits
based on such limitations and
standards. See 40 CFR 122.44(a)(1). In
the case of the CGP, EPA promulgated
effluent limitations guidelines and new
source performance standards for the
construction and development point
source category on December 1, 2009
(‘‘C&D rule’’), which for the first time
imposed a set of minimum federal
numeric and non-numeric effluent
limitations on regulated construction
sites. See 74 FR 62996 (December 1,
2009). The C&D rule (located at 40 CFR
Part 450) became effective on February
1, 2010, thus requiring that any NPDES
permit issued after this date, whether
issued by EPA or an authorized state,
must incorporate the substantive
technology-based requirements of the
rule into the permit. For the next CGP,
this means that EPA must incorporate
the effective requirements of the C&D
rule into the permit.
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Among other requirements, the C&D
rule subjected discharges from certain
larger construction sites to a numeric
effluent limitation of 280 NTU for the
pollutant turbidity starting in August of
2011 (for sites disturbing 20 or more
acres at one time) and February of 2014
(for sites disturbing 10 or more acres at
one time). Subsequent to the
promulgation of the C&D rule, EPA
received two petitions for
reconsideration of the rule. These
petitions pointed out a potential error in
the calculation of the numeric
limitation. Based on EPA’s examination
of the dataset underlying the 280 NTU
limit, EPA concluded that it improperly
interpreted the data and, as a result, the
calculations in the existing
administrative record are no longer
adequate to support the 280 NTU
numeric effluent limitation. In response
to this finding, EPA finalized a stay of
the 280 numeric NTU limit and
associated monitoring requirements (see
40 CFR 450.22(a)) on January 4, 2011, in
order to enable the Agency to correct its
error in calculating the numeric
limitation. See 75 FR 68215 (November
5, 2010). EPA is currently in the process
of initiating a limited rulemaking to
correct the numeric limitation.
Preceding the decision to stay the
numeric turbidity limit, the uncertainty
surrounding the error in calculating the
280 NTU limit and the appropriate way
for EPA to address it, caused a delay of
several months to the permit issuance
process for the new CGP. The result of
this delay makes it a near certainty that,
given even the most optimistic
timeframe for finalizing the new CGP,
EPA will not be able to finalize the new
CGP by the June 30, 2011 expiration
date of the 2008 CGP. With less than
three months remaining before the 2008
CGP expires, EPA believes it is
impracticable to finalize the new CGP
when considering the minimum tasks
required of the Agency to finalize the
permit. For instance, EPA has provided
60 days for the public to comment on
the draft CGP (Refer to other FR Notice),
which is typical of the amount of time
provided for review of similar permits.
Depending on the type and amount of
comments the Agency receives, it is not
unusual for EPA to take between two to
three additional months to adequately
review and respond to those comments,
and to make corresponding changes to
the permit and fact sheet. In addition to
this time, EPA is required to complete
inter-agency review on the modified
permit prior to final issuance, which
may take up to 90 days, all requiring an
amount of time that is several months
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beyond the June 30, 2011 expiration of
the 2008 CGP.
EPA was unaware of the present need
to extend the expiration date of the 2008
CGP when it first modified the 2008
CGP’s expiration date in January 2010
by one year to June 30, 2011. At that
time, EPA was under the impression
that June 30, 2011 provided sufficient
time to finalize a new permit
incorporating all of the new C&D rule
requirements. However, with the
setback of time related to the stay of the
280 NTU limit, EPA needs additional
time to complete the permit issuance
process as explained above. EPA
believes that the proposed extension to
January 31, 2012 will provide the
Agency with sufficient time to finalize
the new CGP.
EPA believes it is imperative that EPA
has sufficient time to incorporate the
C&D ELG into the new CGP and issue
the new CGP prior to the existing
permit’s expiration date. If EPA does not
issue the new CGP before expiration of
the existing permit, no new construction
projects may be permitted under the
CGP, leaving individual NPDES permits
as the only available option for
permitting new projects. The sole
reliance on individual permits would
mean that discharge authorizations
would almost certainly be delayed due
to the greater amount of time and
Agency resources that are required for
developing and issuing individual
permits. In turn, construction projects
that need to begin construction activity
on or after midnight June 30, 2011
would be delayed for an uncertain
amount of time until EPA can review
their individual permit application and
issue the necessary permits. Rather than
risk detrimental delays to new
construction projects, with no clear
benefit to our nation’s surface waters,
EPA has decided that it is advisable to
instead propose a modification to the
2008 CGP to extend the expiration date
until January 31, 2012.
modification is at 40 CFR 122.62(a)(2),
which states that a permit may be
modified when ‘‘[t]he Director has
received new information’’ and that
information was not available at the
time of permit issuance * * * and
would have justified the application of
different permit conditions at the time
of issuance.’’ Pursuant to EPA
regulations, ‘‘[w]hen a permit is
modified, only the conditions subject to
the modification are reopened.’’ 40 CFR
122.62.
In the case of the 2008 CGP, a permit
modification is justified based on the
new information EPA received since it
issued the 2008 CGP, and more
specifically, since it modified the 2008
CGP in January 2010, in terms of the
delay to the permit process associated
with the discovery of the numeric limit
calculation error and resulting stay to
the numeric turbidity limit. If this
information was available at the time of
issuance of the 2008 CGP, and more
specifically, in January 2010 when EPA
extended the expiration date to June 30,
2011, it would have justified EPA
establishing an expiration date for the
2008 CGP that was later than June 30,
2011. As a result, cause exists under
EPA regulations to justify modification
of the 2008 CGP to extend the expiration
date of the permit from midnight June
30, 2011 to midnight January 31, 2012.
EPA notes that, by law, NPDES
permits cannot be extended beyond 5
years. 40 CFR 122.46. The proposed
extension of the 2008 CGP complies
with this restriction. The 2008 CGP was
first issued on June 30, 2008. Assuming
the extension of the 2008 CGP is
finalized as proposed, the permit would
still have been in effect for less than the
5-year limit.
Authority: Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251
et seq.
D. EPA’s Authority To Modify NPDES
Permits
EPA regulations establish when the
permitting authority may make
modifications to existing NPDES
permits. In relevant part, EPA
regulations state that ‘‘[w]hen the
Director receives any information * * *
he or she may determine whether or not
one or more of the causes listed in
paragraph (a) * * * of this section for
modification * * * exist. If cause exists,
the Director may modify * * * the
permit accordingly, subject to the
limitations of 40 CFR 124.5(c).’’ 40 CFR
122.62. For purposes of this Federal
Register notice, the relevant cause for
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:21 Apr 22, 2011
Jkt 223001
PO 00000
22895
Dated: April 12, 2011.
H. Curtis Spalding,
Regional Administrator, EPA Region 1.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Carl-Axel P. Soderberg,
Division Director, Caribbean Environmental
Protection Division, EPA Region 2.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Kevin Bricke,
Acting Director, Division of Environmental
Planning & Protection, EPA Region 2.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Jon M. Capacasa,
Director, Water Protection Division, EPA
Region 3.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Tinka G. Hyde,
Director, Water Division, EPA Region 5.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Miguel I. Flores,
Director, Water Quality Protection Division,
EPA Region 6.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Jamie Green,
Acting Director, Water, Wetlands and
Pesticides Division, EPA Region 7.
Dated: April 11, 2011.
Stephen S. Tuber,
Assistant Regional Administrator, EPA
Region 8.
Dated: April 11, 2011.
Alexis Strauss,
Director, Water Division, EPA Region 9.
Dated: April 11, 2011
Michael A. Bussell,
Director, Office of Water and Watersheds,
EPA Region 10.
[FR Doc. 2011–9926 Filed 4–22–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
COMMISSION
Agency Information Collection
Activities: Proposed Collection;
Submission for OMB Review
Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission.
ACTION: Final Notice of Submission for
OMB Review—Request for an Extension
Without Change: State and Local
Government Information Report (EEO–
4).
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act, the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC or Commission) hereby gives
notice that it has submitted to the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) a
request for an extension through 2014 of
the existing collection requirements
under 29 CFR part 1602, Recordkeeping
and Reporting Requirements, under
Title VII. The Commission has
SUMMARY:
Frm 00034
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\25APN1.SGM
25APN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 79 (Monday, April 25, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22891-22895]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9926]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-9297-8; EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0238]
Modification to 2008 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with
Construction Activities
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: EPA Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 propose to modify
the 2008 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
general permits for stormwater discharges associated with construction
activity in order to extend until January 31, 2012 the expiration date
of the permit. Hereinafter, these NPDES general permits will be
referred to as ``permit'' or ``2008 construction general permit'' or
``2008 CGP.'' This proposed modification would, if finalized, extend
the three-year permit so that it expires on January 31, 2012 instead of
June 30, 2011. Prior to this proposed extension, EPA modified the 2008
CGP in January 2010 to extend the permit by one year, thus making it a
three-year permit. By Federal law, no NPDES permit may be issued for a
period that exceeds five years.
DATES: EPA is proposing a modification to its 2008 CGP that would
extend the permit until January 31, 2012. If the proposed modification
is finalized, the 2008 CGP would expire on midnight, January 31, 2012,
instead of June 30, 2011. Comments on EPA's proposal must be postmarked
by May 25, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Schaner, Water Permits Division,
Office of Wastewater Management (Mail Code: 4203M), Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., EPA East, Washington,
DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 564-0721; fax number: (202) 564-6431;
email address: schaner.greg@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
If a discharger chooses to apply for coverage under the 2008 CGP,
the permit provides specific requirements for preventing contamination
of waterbodies from stormwater discharges from the following
construction activities:
[[Page 22892]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
North American
Industry
Category Examples of affected Classification
entities System (NAICS)
Code
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry......................
Construction site operators disturbing 1
or more acres of land, or less than 1
acre but part of a larger common plan
of development or sale if the larger
common plan will ultimately disturb 1
acre or more, and performing the
following activities:
-----------------------------------------
Building, Developing 233
and General
Contracting.
Heavy Construction... 234
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EPA does not intend the preceding table to be exhaustive, but
provides it as a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be
regulated by this action. This table lists the types of activities that
EPA is now aware of that could potentially be affected by this action.
Other types of entities not listed in the table could also be affected.
To determine whether your facility is affected by this action, you
should carefully examine the definition of ``construction activity''
and ``small construction activity'' in existing EPA regulations at 40
CFR 122.26(b)(14)(x) and 122.26(b)(15), respectively. If you have
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular
entity, consult the person listed for technical information in the
preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
Eligibility for coverage under the 2008 CGP is limited to operators
of ``new projects'' or ``unpermitted ongoing projects.'' A ``new
project'' is one that commences after the effective date of the 2008
CGP. An ``unpermitted ongoing project'' is one that commenced prior to
the effective date of the 2008 CGP, yet never received authorization to
discharge under the 2003 CGP or any other NPDES permit covering its
construction-related stormwater discharges. Construction sites that
originally obtained permit coverage under the 2003 CGP will continue to
be covered under that permit. The 2008 CGP is effective only in those
areas where EPA is the permitting authority. A list of eligible areas
is included in Appendix B of the 2008 CGP.
B. How can I get copies of this document and other related information?
1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this
action under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2008-0238. The official public
docket is the collection of materials that is available for public
viewing at the Water Docket in the EPA Docket Center, (EPA/DC) EPA
West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
Although all documents in the docket are listed in an index, some
information is not publicly available, i.e., Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted
by statute. Publicly available docket materials are available
electronically through www.regulations.gov and in hard copy at the EPA
Docket Center Public Reading Room, 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 Water Docket is (202) 566-2426.
2. Electronic Access. You may access this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register''
listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. Electronic versions of the
final permit and fact sheet are available at EPA's stormwater website
https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater.
An electronic version of the public docket is available through
EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may
use EPA Dockets at https://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main
to view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of
the official public docket, and to access those documents in the public
docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, select
``search'', then key in the appropriate docket identification number.
Certain types of information will not be placed in the EPA Dockets.
Information claimed as CBI and other information whose disclosure is
restricted by statute, which is not included in the official public
docket, will not be available for public viewing in EPA's electronic
public docket. EPA policy is that copyrighted material will not be
placed in EPA's electronic public docket but will be available only in
printed, paper form in the official public docket. Although not all
docket materials may be available electronically, you may still access
any of the publicly available docket materials through the docket
facility identified in Section I.B.1.
Submitting CBI. Do not submit this information to EPA through
regulations.gov or e-mail. Clearly mark all of the information that you
claim to be CBI. For CBI information on computer disks mailed to EPA,
mark the surface of the disk as CBI. Also identify electronically the
specific information contained in the disk or that you claim is CBI. In
addition to one complete version of the specific information claimed as
CBI, you must submit a copy that does not contain the information
claimed as CBI for inclusion in the public document. Information so
marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set
forth in 40 CFR Part 2.
For public commenters, it is important to note that EPA's policy is
that public comments, whether submitted electronically or in paper,
will be made available for public viewing in EPA's electronic public
docket as EPA receives them and without change, unless the comment
contains copyrighted material, CBI, or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute. When EPA identifies a comment
containing copyrighted material, EPA will provide a reference to that
material in the version of the comment that is placed in EPA's
electronic public docket. The entire printed comment, including the
copyrighted material, will be available in the public docket.
Public comments submitted on computer disks that are mailed or
delivered to the docket will be transferred to EPA's electronic public
docket. Public comments that are mailed or delivered to the docket will
be scanned and placed in EPA's electronic public docket. Where
practical, physical objects will be photographed, and the photograph
will be placed in EPA's electronic public docket along with a brief
description written by the docket staff.
[[Page 22893]]
C. How and to whom do I submit comments?
You may submit comments electronically, by mail, or through hand
delivery/courier. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, identify the
appropriate docket identification number in the subject line on the
first page of your comment. To ensure that EPA can read, understand,
and therefore properly respond to comments, the Agency would prefer
that commenters cite, where possible, the paragraph(s) or section in
the fact sheet or permit to which each comment refers. Please ensure
that your comments are submitted within the specified comment period.
Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked
``late.'' EPA is not required to consider these late comments.
1. Electronically. If you submit an electronic comment as
prescribed below, EPA recommends that you include your name, mailing
address, and an e-mail address or other contact information in the body
of your comment. Also include this contact information on the outside
of any disk or CD-ROM you submit, and in any cover letter accompanying
the disk or CD-ROM. This ensures that you can be identified as the
submitter of the comment and allows EPA to contact you in case EPA
cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties or needs further
information on the substance of your comment. EPA's policy is that EPA
will not edit your comment, and any identifying or contact information
provided in the body of a comment will be included as part of the
comment that is placed in the official public docket, and made
available in EPA's electronic public docket. 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.
i. EPA Dockets. Your use of EPA's electronic public docket to
submit comments to EPA electronically is EPA's preferred method for
receiving comments. The system is an ``anonymous access'' system, which
means EPA will not know your identity, email address, or other contact
information unless you provide it in the body of your comment.
ii. E-mail. In contrast to EPA's electronic public docket, EPA's e-
mail system is not an ``anonymous access'' system. If you send an e-
mail comment directly to the Docket without going through EPA's
electronic public docket, EPA's e-mail system automatically captures
your e-mail address. E-mail addresses that are automatically captured
by EPA's e-mail system are included as part of the comment that is
placed in the official public docket, and made available in EPA's
electronic public docket.
iii. Disk or CD-ROM. These electronic submissions will be accepted
in Microsoft Word or ASCII file format. Avoid the use of special
characters and any form of encryption.
2. By mail. Send the original and three copies of your comments.
3. By Hand Delivery or Courier. Such deliveries are only accepted
during the Docket's normal hours of operation as identified in Section
I.B.
D. Public Hearings
EPA has not scheduled any public hearings to receive public comment
concerning the proposed extension. All persons will continue to have
the right to provide written comments during the public comment period.
However, interested persons may request a public hearing pursuant to 40
CFR 124.12 concerning the proposed extension. Requests for a public
hearing must be sent or delivered in writing to the same address as
provided above for public comments prior to the close of the comment
period. Requests for a public hearing must state the nature of the
issues proposed to be raised in the hearing. Pursuant to 40 CFR 124.12,
EPA shall hold a public hearing if it finds, on the basis of requests,
a significant degree of public interest in a public hearing on the
proposed extension. If EPA decides to hold a public hearing, a public
notice of the date, time and place of the hearing will be made at least
30 days prior to the hearing. Any person may provide written or oral
statements and data pertaining to the proposed permit at the public
hearing.
E. Finalizing This Action
This action will not be finalized until after all significant
public comments have been considered and addressed. EPA's response to
public comments received will be included in the docket as part of the
final action. Once the final permit becomes effective, operators of new
and unpermitted ongoing construction projects may seek authorization
under the 2008 CGP prior to the midnight January 31, 2012 expiration
date.
F. Who are the EPA Regional contacts for this permit?
For EPA Region 1, contact Jessica Hing at tel.: (617) 918-1560 or
e-mail at hing.jessica@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 2, contact Stephen Venezia at tel.: (212) 637-3856
or e-mail at venezia.stephen@epa.gov, or for Puerto Rico, contact
Sergio Bosques at tel.: (787) 977-5838 or e-mail at
bosques.sergio@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 3, contact Chuck Schadel at tel.: (215) 814-5761 or
e-mail at schadel.chuck@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 5, contact Brian Bell at tel.: (312) 886-0981 or e-
mail at bell.brianc@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 6, contact Suzanna Perea at tel.: (214) 665-7217 or
e-mail at: perea.suzannabrent@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 7, contact Mark Matthews at tel.: (913) 551-7635 or
e-mail at: matthews.mark@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 8, contact Amy Clark at tel.: (303) 312-7014 or e-
mail at: clark.amy@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 9, contact Eugene Bromley at tel.: (415) 972-3510 or
e-mail at bromley.eugene@epa.gov.
For EPA Region 10, contact Misha Vakoc at tel.: (206) 553-6650 or
e-mail at vakoc.misha@epa.gov.
II. Background of Permit
A. Statutory and Regulatory History
The Clean Water Act (``CWA'') establishes a comprehensive program
``to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological
integrity of the Nation's waters.'' 33 U.S.C. 1251(a). The CWA also
includes the objective of attaining ``water quality which provides for
the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish and wildlife and * *
* recreation in and on the water.'' 33 U.S.C. 1251(a)(2)). To achieve
these goals, the CWA requires EPA to control point source discharges of
pollutants to waters of the United States through the issuance of
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (``NPDES'') permits.
The Water Quality Act of 1987 (WQA) added section 402(p) of the
Clean Water Act (CWA), which directed EPA to develop a phased approach
to regulate stormwater discharges under the NPDES program. 33 U.S.C.
1342(p). EPA published a final regulation in the Federal Register,
often called the ``Phase I Rule'' on November 16, 1990, establishing,
among other things, permit application requirements for, among other
things, ``storm water discharges associated with industrial activity.''
See 55 FR 47990. EPA defines the term ``storm water discharge
associated with industrial activity'' in a comprehensive manner to
cover a wide variety of facilities. See id. Construction activities,
including activities that are part of a larger common plan of
development or sale, that ultimately disturb at least five acres of
land and have point source discharges to waters of the U.S. were
included in the definition of ``industrial
[[Page 22894]]
activity'' pursuant to 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14)(x). The second rule
implementing section 402(p), often called the Phase II Rule, was
published in the Federal Register on December 8, 1999, requires NPDES
permits for discharges from construction sites disturbing at least one
acre but less than five acres, including sites that are less than one
acre but are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that
will ultimately disturb at least one acre but less than five acres,
pursuant to 40 CFR 122.26(b)(15)(i). See 64 FR 68722.
NPDES permits issued for construction stormwater discharges are
required under Section 402(a)(1) of the CWA to include conditions for
meeting technology-based effluent limits established under Section 301
and, where applicable, Section 306. Once an effluent limitations
guideline or new source performance standard is promulgated in
accordance with these sections, NPDES permits issued by the NPDES
permitting authorities must incorporate requirements based on such
limitations and standards. See 40 CFR 122.44(a)(1). Prior to the
promulgation of national effluent limitations guidelines and new source
performance standards, permitting authorities incorporate technology-
based effluent limitations on a best professional judgment basis. CWA
section 402(a)(1)(B); 40 CFR 125.3(a)(2)(ii)(B).
B. Summary of 2008 CGP
EPA announced the issuance of the 2008 CGP on July 14, 2008. See 73
FR 40338. Construction operators choosing to be covered by the 2008 CGP
must certify in their notice of intent (NOI) that they meet the
requisite eligibility requirements described in Part 1.3 of the permit.
If eligible, operators are authorized to discharge under this permit in
accordance with Part 2. Permittees must install and implement control
measures to meet the effluent limits applicable to all dischargers in
Part 3, and must inspect such stormwater controls and repair or modify
them in accordance with Part 4. The permit in Part 5 requires all
construction operators to prepare a stormwater pollution prevention
plan (SWPPP) that identifies all sources of pollution, and describes
control measures used to minimize pollutants discharged from the
construction site. Part 6 details the requirements for terminating
coverage under the permit.
The 2008 CGP permit provides coverage for discharges from
construction sites that occur in areas not covered by an approved State
NPDES program. EPA Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 issued the
2008 CGP to replace the expired 2003 CGP for operators of new and
unpermitted ongoing construction projects. The geographic coverage and
scope of the 2008 CGP is listed in Appendix B of the permit.
C. What Is EPA's rationale for the modification of the 2008 CGP for an
extension of the expiration date?
As stated above, EPA proposes to modify the 2008 CGP by extending
to January 31, 2012 the expiration date of the permit. EPA finds it
necessary to propose this extension in order to provide sufficient time
to finalize the new CGP, which will incorporate for the first time new
effluent limitations guidelines and new source performance standards,
which EPA promulgated in December 2009. The extension is necessary in
order to make up for a delay in the issuance process of the new CGP due
to an error discovered in the December 2009 final rule regarding the
calculation of the numeric limitation on turbidity. This numeric limit
has since been stayed by EPA. EPA's proposed extension would provide
the Agency with sufficient time to account for this delay and to meet
its other permit issuance obligations.
NPDES permits issued for construction stormwater discharges are
required under Section 402(a)(1) of the CWA to include conditions for
meeting technology-based effluent limits established under Section 301
and, where applicable, Section 306. Once an effluent limitations
guideline or new source performance standard is promulgated in
accordance with these sections, any NPDES permits issued after the
effective date of these requirements must incorporate limits based on
such limitations and standards. See 40 CFR 122.44(a)(1). In the case of
the CGP, EPA promulgated effluent limitations guidelines and new source
performance standards for the construction and development point source
category on December 1, 2009 (``C&D rule''), which for the first time
imposed a set of minimum federal numeric and non-numeric effluent
limitations on regulated construction sites. See 74 FR 62996 (December
1, 2009). The C&D rule (located at 40 CFR Part 450) became effective on
February 1, 2010, thus requiring that any NPDES permit issued after
this date, whether issued by EPA or an authorized state, must
incorporate the substantive technology-based requirements of the rule
into the permit. For the next CGP, this means that EPA must incorporate
the effective requirements of the C&D rule into the permit.
Among other requirements, the C&D rule subjected discharges from
certain larger construction sites to a numeric effluent limitation of
280 NTU for the pollutant turbidity starting in August of 2011 (for
sites disturbing 20 or more acres at one time) and February of 2014
(for sites disturbing 10 or more acres at one time). Subsequent to the
promulgation of the C&D rule, EPA received two petitions for
reconsideration of the rule. These petitions pointed out a potential
error in the calculation of the numeric limitation. Based on EPA's
examination of the dataset underlying the 280 NTU limit, EPA concluded
that it improperly interpreted the data and, as a result, the
calculations in the existing administrative record are no longer
adequate to support the 280 NTU numeric effluent limitation. In
response to this finding, EPA finalized a stay of the 280 numeric NTU
limit and associated monitoring requirements (see 40 CFR 450.22(a)) on
January 4, 2011, in order to enable the Agency to correct its error in
calculating the numeric limitation. See 75 FR 68215 (November 5, 2010).
EPA is currently in the process of initiating a limited rulemaking to
correct the numeric limitation.
Preceding the decision to stay the numeric turbidity limit, the
uncertainty surrounding the error in calculating the 280 NTU limit and
the appropriate way for EPA to address it, caused a delay of several
months to the permit issuance process for the new CGP. The result of
this delay makes it a near certainty that, given even the most
optimistic timeframe for finalizing the new CGP, EPA will not be able
to finalize the new CGP by the June 30, 2011 expiration date of the
2008 CGP. With less than three months remaining before the 2008 CGP
expires, EPA believes it is impracticable to finalize the new CGP when
considering the minimum tasks required of the Agency to finalize the
permit. For instance, EPA has provided 60 days for the public to
comment on the draft CGP (Refer to other FR Notice), which is typical
of the amount of time provided for review of similar permits. Depending
on the type and amount of comments the Agency receives, it is not
unusual for EPA to take between two to three additional months to
adequately review and respond to those comments, and to make
corresponding changes to the permit and fact sheet. In addition to this
time, EPA is required to complete inter-agency review on the modified
permit prior to final issuance, which may take up to 90 days, all
requiring an amount of time that is several months
[[Page 22895]]
beyond the June 30, 2011 expiration of the 2008 CGP.
EPA was unaware of the present need to extend the expiration date
of the 2008 CGP when it first modified the 2008 CGP's expiration date
in January 2010 by one year to June 30, 2011. At that time, EPA was
under the impression that June 30, 2011 provided sufficient time to
finalize a new permit incorporating all of the new C&D rule
requirements. However, with the setback of time related to the stay of
the 280 NTU limit, EPA needs additional time to complete the permit
issuance process as explained above. EPA believes that the proposed
extension to January 31, 2012 will provide the Agency with sufficient
time to finalize the new CGP.
EPA believes it is imperative that EPA has sufficient time to
incorporate the C&D ELG into the new CGP and issue the new CGP prior to
the existing permit's expiration date. If EPA does not issue the new
CGP before expiration of the existing permit, no new construction
projects may be permitted under the CGP, leaving individual NPDES
permits as the only available option for permitting new projects. The
sole reliance on individual permits would mean that discharge
authorizations would almost certainly be delayed due to the greater
amount of time and Agency resources that are required for developing
and issuing individual permits. In turn, construction projects that
need to begin construction activity on or after midnight June 30, 2011
would be delayed for an uncertain amount of time until EPA can review
their individual permit application and issue the necessary permits.
Rather than risk detrimental delays to new construction projects, with
no clear benefit to our nation's surface waters, EPA has decided that
it is advisable to instead propose a modification to the 2008 CGP to
extend the expiration date until January 31, 2012.
D. EPA's Authority To Modify NPDES Permits
EPA regulations establish when the permitting authority may make
modifications to existing NPDES permits. In relevant part, EPA
regulations state that ``[w]hen the Director receives any information *
* * he or she may determine whether or not one or more of the causes
listed in paragraph (a) * * * of this section for modification * * *
exist. If cause exists, the Director may modify * * * the permit
accordingly, subject to the limitations of 40 CFR 124.5(c).'' 40 CFR
122.62. For purposes of this Federal Register notice, the relevant
cause for modification is at 40 CFR 122.62(a)(2), which states that a
permit may be modified when ``[t]he Director has received new
information'' and that information was not available at the time of
permit issuance * * * and would have justified the application of
different permit conditions at the time of issuance.'' Pursuant to EPA
regulations, ``[w]hen a permit is modified, only the conditions subject
to the modification are reopened.'' 40 CFR 122.62.
In the case of the 2008 CGP, a permit modification is justified
based on the new information EPA received since it issued the 2008 CGP,
and more specifically, since it modified the 2008 CGP in January 2010,
in terms of the delay to the permit process associated with the
discovery of the numeric limit calculation error and resulting stay to
the numeric turbidity limit. If this information was available at the
time of issuance of the 2008 CGP, and more specifically, in January
2010 when EPA extended the expiration date to June 30, 2011, it would
have justified EPA establishing an expiration date for the 2008 CGP
that was later than June 30, 2011. As a result, cause exists under EPA
regulations to justify modification of the 2008 CGP to extend the
expiration date of the permit from midnight June 30, 2011 to midnight
January 31, 2012.
EPA notes that, by law, NPDES permits cannot be extended beyond 5
years. 40 CFR 122.46. The proposed extension of the 2008 CGP complies
with this restriction. The 2008 CGP was first issued on June 30, 2008.
Assuming the extension of the 2008 CGP is finalized as proposed, the
permit would still have been in effect for less than the 5-year limit.
Authority: Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
H. Curtis Spalding,
Regional Administrator, EPA Region 1.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Carl-Axel P. Soderberg,
Division Director, Caribbean Environmental Protection Division, EPA
Region 2.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Kevin Bricke,
Acting Director, Division of Environmental Planning & Protection, EPA
Region 2.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Jon M. Capacasa,
Director, Water Protection Division, EPA Region 3.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Tinka G. Hyde,
Director, Water Division, EPA Region 5.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Miguel I. Flores,
Director, Water Quality Protection Division, EPA Region 6.
Dated: April 12, 2011.
Jamie Green,
Acting Director, Water, Wetlands and Pesticides Division, EPA Region 7.
Dated: April 11, 2011.
Stephen S. Tuber,
Assistant Regional Administrator, EPA Region 8.
Dated: April 11, 2011.
Alexis Strauss,
Director, Water Division, EPA Region 9.
Dated: April 11, 2011
Michael A. Bussell,
Director, Office of Water and Watersheds, EPA Region 10.
[FR Doc. 2011-9926 Filed 4-22-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P