Coast Guard Acceptance of Sewage Treatment Plants for Type-Approval to International Maritime Organization Resolution MEPC.227(64), 62552-62554 [2015-26285]

Download as PDF 62552 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 200 / Friday, October 16, 2015 / Notices We encourage you to participate and join in discussions, subject to the discretion of the moderator. If you wish to attend the meeting via teleconference, arrange for assistance in attending the meeting in person, or make a presentation, contact us (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT; audiovisual arrangements will be available). If you bring written comments to the workshop, you may submit them at the meeting and we will place them on our docket. This notice is issued under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a). Dated: 13 October, 2015. J. G. Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, U.S. Coast Guard. [FR Doc. 2015–26363 Filed 10–15–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [Docket No. USCG–2015–0960] Coast Guard Acceptance of Sewage Treatment Plants for Type-Approval to International Maritime Organization Resolution MEPC.227(64) Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of Policy and request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard announces its acceptance of sewage treatment plants (also referred to as marine sanitation devices) for type-approval to International Maritime Organization resolution MEPC.227(64) as meeting the requirements for marine sanitation devices. This action will allow manufacturers as well as shipowners and operators the option to take advantage of building and using equipment that meets both domestic and international requirements while also benefitting the environment. The Coast Guard is also seeking information on simple on board checks to verify performance of sewage treatment plants. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before November 16, 2015. You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG–2015–0880 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:54 Oct 15, 2015 Jkt 238001 For information about this document call or email Wayne M. Lundy, CG–ENG–3, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 202–372– 1379, email Wayne.M.Lundy@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Public Participation and Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be submitted using https:// www.regulations.gov, contact the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate instructions. We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and the docket, you may review a Privacy Act notice regarding the Federal Docket Management System in the March 24, 2005, issue of the Federal Register (70 FR 15086). Documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the docket, and all public comments, will be in our online docket at https://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that Web site’s instructions. Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up for email alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted. We are also planning to hold a twoday public workshop in Washington DC in the fall of 2015. We will issue a separate Federal Register notice to announce the date, time, and location of such a workshop. The purpose of the workshop will be to discuss sewage treatment technologies, issues concerning testing of marine sanitation devices for type approval and information on simple on board checks to verify performance of a marine sanitation device. The workshop will also consider issues associated with existing federal standards and MARPOL Annex IV equipment standards (resolution MEPC.227(64)), impact of No Discharge Zones, and issues concerning gray water. Background and Purpose Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 159, prescribes requirements for the design and construction of marine sanitation devices (‘‘MSDs’’, also referred to as PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 sewage treatment plants) and procedures for certifying that MSDs meet the regulations and standards of the Environmental Protection Agency promulgated under Section 312 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Pub. L. 92–500, § 312, 86 Stat. 871 (October 18, 1972), as amended; classified to 33 U.S.C. 1322). In October 2012, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted resolution MEPC.227(64)—2012 Guidelines on implementation of effluent standards and performance tests for sewage treatment plants. The International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 73/78 (MARPOL) Annex IV requires sewage treatment plants to be type-approved taking into account the standards of IMO Resolution MEPC.227(64). While the United States is not a Contracting Government to MARPOL Annex IV, we recognize that the limits and standards in IMO resolution MEPC.227(64) are more stringent or prescriptive than those requirements in 33 CFR 159 concerning threshold limits and testing of equipment and thus equipment that is type-approved to the MEPC.227(64) standards would also satisfy U.S. threshold effluent limits. Specifically, we have determined that a MSD meeting the design specifications in MEPC.227(64) would exceed the performance specifications for Type II tanks, as listed in 33 CFR 159.53(b), which states that, ‘‘[u]nder the test conditions described in §§ 159.126 and 159.126a, [the tanks must] produce an effluent having a fecal coliform bacteria count not greater than 200 per 100 milliliters and suspended solids not greater than 150 milligrams per liter.’’ In recognition of this, the Coast Guard believes MSDs type-approved in accordance with the requirements of IMO resolution MEPC.227(64) and installed on U.S. flagged ships comply with those threshold effluent limits in 33 CFR 159.53(b). MSDs must still meet the other requirements contained in part 159, and any inconsistencies between part 159 and MEPC.227(64) must be resolved in favor of part 159. Manufacturers may submit their equipment to a recognized testing facility recognized by the Coast Guard for testing of such equipment and may make a submission to the Coast Guard requesting type approval. Resolution MEPC.227(64) also contains a process allowing the Coast Guard to certify that a type-approved MSD meets the specific effluent discharge requirements for a vessel to enter Special Areas listed in MARPOL Annex IV. The Coast Guard would certify that the MSD meets the enhanced E:\FR\FM\16OCN1.SGM 16OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 200 / Friday, October 16, 2015 / Notices 62553 will need to be less than the effluent standard for that analyte multiplied by the dilution compensation factor Qi/Qe. In order for a MSD to be able to be technically evaluated for type approval under MEPC.227(64), the concentration value of the effluent for that analyte being considered must be readable, i.e., at or above the detection limit for the test method for that analyte. For consideration by the Coast Guard, a MSD, after application of the dilution compensation factor Qi/Qe, the revised effluent concentration value of any analyte measured at the Effluent Sample Point as shown in figure 1 of this Notice of Policy cannot be below the Test Method detection limit for that analyte. Figure 1 is replicated from resolution MEPC.227(64). If the revised concentration value is below the Test Method detection limit for that analyte, then it becomes impossible for the concentration value to be physically measured. Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR 136, Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants). The following methods must be used: • Thermotolerant Coliform (TC) Test Method EPA 600/8–78–017 Chapter III 2 1 Dilution (Qd)—is dilution water, grey water, process water, and/or seawater introduced to the sewage treatment plant after the influent sample point and after the influent flow measurement device, see figure 1 of resolution MEPC.227(64). Effluent (Qe)—is treated wastewater produced by the sewage treatment plant, see figure 1 of resolution MEPC.227(64). Influent (Qi)—is liquid containing sewage, grey water or other liquid streams, to be processed by the treatment plant, see figure 1of resolution MEPC.227(64). 2 Please refer to Page Number 124 in document USEPA. 1978. Microbiological Methods for Monitoring the Environment, Water, and Wastes. Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio. EPA/600/8–78/017; weblink: https:// nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/300014TD.txt?Z yActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EPA&Index= 1976%20Thru%201980&Docs=&Query=&Time= &EndTime=&SearchMethod=1&TocRestrict=n &Toc=&TocEntry=&QField=&QField Year=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&Use QField=&IntQFieldOp=0&ExtQFieldOp=0&Xml Query=&File=D%3A%5CZYFILES%5CINDEX%20 DATA%5C76THRU80%5CTXT%5C00000 000%5C300014TD.txt&User=ANONYMOUS &Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h%7C&MaximumDocuments=1&FuzzyDegree=0&Image Quality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425& Continued VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:54 Oct 15, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16OCN1.SGM 16OCN1 EN16OC15.037</GPH> treatment plant should not rely solely on dilution of wastewater,’’ there are no specific levels of reduction given for TC, TSS, BOD5 and COD (unlike the specific Percent Reductions given for discharges of nitrogen and phosphorus in Section 4.2). IMO Resolution MEPC.227(64) states that an approved MSD not rely solely on dilution of wastewater in order to meet the effluent limits stipulated in resolution MEPC.227(64). Resolution MEPC.227(64) further states that, where amounts of dilution are deemed essential to a treatment process, the effluent standards in Section 4 should be adjusted proportionally using dilution compensation factor Qi/Qe to account for dilution Qd.1 In order to demonstrate that the MSD does not rely solely on dilution of wastewater in order to meet the effluent standards, the effluent concentration value Ce for any particular analyte addressed in resolution MEPC.227(64), Section 4.1 (specifically, TC, TSS, BOD5 and COD) To make the above determination for Annex IV certification, the Coast Guard will use the approved test methods that are listed in the Environmental srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES effluent discharge and treatment specifications listed in MEPC.227(64). Under MARPOL Annex IV Regulations 9.1.1 and 9.1.2, vessels with MSDs conforming to the Special Area specifications contained in MEPC.227(64) may be permitted to operate in Special Areas. This certification would allow U.S.-flagged vessels to document that they meet those standards. However, U.S.-flagged vessels voluntarily installing MSDs in accordance with MARPOL Annex IV standards must comply with the U.S. application of MEPC.227(64), as follows, to receive U.S. certification. Currently, MEPC.227(64), is vague on the amount of reduction required for thermotolerant coliform (TC), total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand without nitrification (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). While Section 3 of MEPC.227(64) states that ‘‘[i]n meeting the effluent standards in Section 4, an approved sewage 62554 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 200 / Friday, October 16, 2015 / Notices (Detection Limit = 1 colony form unit (CFU)/100 mL), • Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Test Method 160.2 (Detection Limit = 4.0 mg/L), • Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) without nitrification 3 Test Method 5210 B3 (Detection Limit = 2.0 mg/L), • Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Test Method 410.4 (Detection Limit = 3.0 mg/L), • pH Test Method 150.1 (none stated but not normally reported below 0.01),4 • Total Nitrogen 5 351.2 (Detection Limit = 0.5 mg/L), Total Phosphorus Test Method 365.2 (Detection Limit = 0.01 mg/L) and Disinfectant residual • Chlorine Test Method 330.5 (Detection Limit = 0.2 mg/L) The Coast Guard is also seeking information on possible simple on board checks that may be available and easily used to verify performance of a sewage treatment plant with effluent requirements. This notice is issued under authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a). Dated: October 9, 2015. F.J. Sturm, Deputy Director, Commercial Regulations and Standards, U.S. Coast Guard. [FR Doc. 2015–26285 Filed 10–15–15; 8:45 a.m.] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID FEMA–2015–0001; Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–B–1534] Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Display=p%7Cf&DefSeekPage=x&Search Back=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc= Results%20page&MaximumPages=1&ZyEntry=1. 3 The equivalent U.S. EPA Test Method for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) without nitrification is done as carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD5) and should not be confused with the traditional BOD5 test method which measures ‘‘total BOD’’. The addition of the nitrification inhibitor is not a procedural option, but must be included to report the CBOD5 parameter. 4 There is no US EPA Test Method listed in 40 CFR 136 so the US EPA has adopted American Public Health Association (APHA) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The current edition is the 22nd edition. 5 Total Nitrogen means the sum of total Kjeldahl nitrogen (organic and ammoniacal nitrogen) nitratenitrogen and nitrite-nitrogen. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:54 Oct 15, 2015 Jkt 238001 ACTION: Notice. This notice lists communities where the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations), as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for each community, is appropriate because of new scientific or technical data. The FIRM, and where applicable, portions of the FIS report, have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, Part 65 of the Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR part 65). The LOMR will be used by insurance agents and others to calculate appropriate flood insurance premium rates for new buildings and the contents of those buildings. For rating purposes, the currently effective community number is shown in the table below and must be used for all new policies and renewals. DATES: These flood hazard determinations will become effective on the dates listed in the table below and revise the FIRM panels and FIS report in effect prior to this determination for the listed communities. From the date of the second publication of notification of these changes in a newspaper of local circulation, any person has 90 days in which to request through the community that the Deputy Associate Administrator for Mitigation reconsider the changes. The flood hazard determination information may be changed during the 90-day period. ADDRESSES: The affected communities are listed in the table below. Revised flood hazard information for each community is available for inspection at both the online location and the respective community map repository address listed in the table below. Additionally, the current effective FIRM and FIS report for each community are accessible online through the FEMA Map Service Center at www.msc.fema.gov for comparison. Submit comments and/or appeals to the Chief Executive Officer of the community as listed in the table below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luis Rodriguez, Chief, Engineering Management Branch, Federal Insurance SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and Mitigation Administration, FEMA, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–4064, or (email) Luis.Rodriguez3@fema.dhs.gov; or visit the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) online at www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_ main.html. The specific flood hazard determinations are not described for each community in this notice. However, the online location and local community map repository address where the flood hazard determination information is available for inspection is provided. Any request for reconsideration of flood hazard determinations must be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer of the community as listed in the table below. The modifications are made pursuant to section 201 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4105, and are in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq., and with 44 CFR part 65. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These flood hazard determinations, together with the floodplain management criteria required by 44 CFR 60.3, are the minimum that are required. They should not be construed to mean that the community must change any existing ordinances that are more stringent in their floodplain management requirements. The community may at any time enact stricter requirements of its own or pursuant to policies established by other Federal, State, or regional entities. The flood hazard determinations are in accordance with 44 CFR 65.4. The affected communities are listed in the following table. Flood hazard determination information for each community is available for inspection at both the online location and the respective community map repository address listed in the table below. Additionally, the current effective FIRM and FIS report for each community are accessible online through the FEMA Map Service Center at www.msc.fema.gov for comparison. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\16OCN1.SGM 16OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 200 (Friday, October 16, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62552-62554]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26285]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0960]


 Coast Guard Acceptance of Sewage Treatment Plants for Type-
Approval to International Maritime Organization Resolution MEPC.227(64)

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of Policy and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces its acceptance of sewage treatment 
plants (also referred to as marine sanitation devices) for type-
approval to International Maritime Organization resolution MEPC.227(64) 
as meeting the requirements for marine sanitation devices. This action 
will allow manufacturers as well as shipowners and operators the option 
to take advantage of building and using equipment that meets both 
domestic and international requirements while also benefitting the 
environment. The Coast Guard is also seeking information on simple on 
board checks to verify performance of sewage treatment plants.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before November 16, 2015.
    You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2015-0880 
using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See 
the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on 
submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about this document 
call or email Wayne M. Lundy, CG-ENG-3, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 
202-372-1379, email Wayne.M.Lundy@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Public Participation and Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice, indicate the specific section of this document to which each 
comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or 
recommendation.
    We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be 
submitted using https://www.regulations.gov, contact the person in the 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate 
instructions.
    We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted 
without change to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and the 
docket, you may review a Privacy Act notice regarding the Federal 
Docket Management System in the March 24, 2005, issue of the Federal 
Register (70 FR 15086).
    Documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the 
docket, and all public comments, will be in our online docket at https://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that Web site's 
instructions. Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up 
for email alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted.
    We are also planning to hold a two-day public workshop in 
Washington DC in the fall of 2015. We will issue a separate Federal 
Register notice to announce the date, time, and location of such a 
workshop. The purpose of the workshop will be to discuss sewage 
treatment technologies, issues concerning testing of marine sanitation 
devices for type approval and information on simple on board checks to 
verify performance of a marine sanitation device. The workshop will 
also consider issues associated with existing federal standards and 
MARPOL Annex IV equipment standards (resolution MEPC.227(64)), impact 
of No Discharge Zones, and issues concerning gray water.

Background and Purpose

    Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 159, 
prescribes requirements for the design and construction of marine 
sanitation devices (``MSDs'', also referred to as sewage treatment 
plants) and procedures for certifying that MSDs meet the regulations 
and standards of the Environmental Protection Agency promulgated under 
Section 312 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Pub. L. 92-500, 
Sec.  312, 86 Stat. 871 (October 18, 1972), as amended; classified to 
33 U.S.C. 1322). In October 2012, the International Maritime 
Organization (IMO) adopted resolution MEPC.227(64)--2012 Guidelines on 
implementation of effluent standards and performance tests for sewage 
treatment plants. The International Convention on the Prevention of 
Pollution from Ships 73/78 (MARPOL) Annex IV requires sewage treatment 
plants to be type-approved taking into account the standards of IMO 
Resolution MEPC.227(64). While the United States is not a Contracting 
Government to MARPOL Annex IV, we recognize that the limits and 
standards in IMO resolution MEPC.227(64) are more stringent or 
prescriptive than those requirements in 33 CFR 159 concerning threshold 
limits and testing of equipment and thus equipment that is type-
approved to the MEPC.227(64) standards would also satisfy U.S. 
threshold effluent limits. Specifically, we have determined that a MSD 
meeting the design specifications in MEPC.227(64) would exceed the 
performance specifications for Type II tanks, as listed in 33 CFR 
159.53(b), which states that, ``[u]nder the test conditions described 
in Sec. Sec.  159.126 and 159.126a, [the tanks must] produce an 
effluent having a fecal coliform bacteria count not greater than 200 
per 100 milliliters and suspended solids not greater than 150 
milligrams per liter.''
    In recognition of this, the Coast Guard believes MSDs type-approved 
in accordance with the requirements of IMO resolution MEPC.227(64) and 
installed on U.S. flagged ships comply with those threshold effluent 
limits in 33 CFR 159.53(b). MSDs must still meet the other requirements 
contained in part 159, and any inconsistencies between part 159 and 
MEPC.227(64) must be resolved in favor of part 159. Manufacturers may 
submit their equipment to a recognized testing facility recognized by 
the Coast Guard for testing of such equipment and may make a submission 
to the Coast Guard requesting type approval.
    Resolution MEPC.227(64) also contains a process allowing the Coast 
Guard to certify that a type-approved MSD meets the specific effluent 
discharge requirements for a vessel to enter Special Areas listed in 
MARPOL Annex IV. The Coast Guard would certify that the MSD meets the 
enhanced

[[Page 62553]]

effluent discharge and treatment specifications listed in MEPC.227(64). 
Under MARPOL Annex IV Regulations 9.1.1 and 9.1.2, vessels with MSDs 
conforming to the Special Area specifications contained in MEPC.227(64) 
may be permitted to operate in Special Areas. This certification would 
allow U.S.-flagged vessels to document that they meet those standards.
    However, U.S.-flagged vessels voluntarily installing MSDs in 
accordance with MARPOL Annex IV standards must comply with the U.S. 
application of MEPC.227(64), as follows, to receive U.S. certification. 
Currently, MEPC.227(64), is vague on the amount of reduction required 
for thermotolerant coliform (TC), total suspended solids (TSS), 
biochemical oxygen demand without nitrification (BOD5) and 
chemical oxygen demand (COD). While Section 3 of MEPC.227(64) states 
that ``[i]n meeting the effluent standards in Section 4, an approved 
sewage treatment plant should not rely solely on dilution of 
wastewater,'' there are no specific levels of reduction given for TC, 
TSS, BOD5 and COD (unlike the specific Percent Reductions 
given for discharges of nitrogen and phosphorus in Section 4.2).
    IMO Resolution MEPC.227(64) states that an approved MSD not rely 
solely on dilution of wastewater in order to meet the effluent limits 
stipulated in resolution MEPC.227(64). Resolution MEPC.227(64) further 
states that, where amounts of dilution are deemed essential to a 
treatment process, the effluent standards in Section 4 should be 
adjusted proportionally using dilution compensation factor Qi/Qe to 
account for dilution Qd.\1\ In order to demonstrate that the MSD does 
not rely solely on dilution of wastewater in order to meet the effluent 
standards, the effluent concentration value Ce for any particular 
analyte addressed in resolution MEPC.227(64), Section 4.1 
(specifically, TC, TSS, BOD5 and COD) will need to be less 
than the effluent standard for that analyte multiplied by the dilution 
compensation factor Qi/Qe.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Dilution (Qd)--is dilution water, grey water, process water, 
and/or seawater introduced to the sewage treatment plant after the 
influent sample point and after the influent flow measurement 
device, see figure 1 of resolution MEPC.227(64).
    Effluent (Qe)--is treated wastewater produced by the sewage 
treatment plant, see figure 1 of resolution MEPC.227(64).
    Influent (Qi)--is liquid containing sewage, grey water or other 
liquid streams, to be processed by the treatment plant, see figure 
1of resolution MEPC.227(64).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In order for a MSD to be able to be technically evaluated for type 
approval under MEPC.227(64), the concentration value of the effluent 
for that analyte being considered must be readable, i.e., at or above 
the detection limit for the test method for that analyte. For 
consideration by the Coast Guard, a MSD, after application of the 
dilution compensation factor Qi/Qe, the revised effluent concentration 
value of any analyte measured at the Effluent Sample Point as shown in 
figure 1 of this Notice of Policy cannot be below the Test Method 
detection limit for that analyte. Figure 1 is replicated from 
resolution MEPC.227(64). If the revised concentration value is below 
the Test Method detection limit for that analyte, then it becomes 
impossible for the concentration value to be physically measured.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN16OC15.037

    To make the above determination for Annex IV certification, the 
Coast Guard will use the approved test methods that are listed in the 
Environmental Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR 136, Guidelines 
Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants). The 
following methods must be used:
     Thermotolerant Coliform (TC) Test Method EPA 600/8-78-017 
Chapter III \2\

[[Page 62554]]

(Detection Limit = 1 colony form unit (CFU)/100 mL),
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Please refer to Page Number 124 in document USEPA. 1978. 
Microbiological Methods for Monitoring the Environment, Water, and 
Wastes. Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio. EPA/600/8-78/017; 
weblink: https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/300014TD.txt?ZyActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EPA&Index=1976%20Thru%201980&Docs=&Query=&Time=&EndTime=&SearchMethod=1&TocRestrict=n&Toc=&TocEntry=&QField=&QFieldYear=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&UseQField=&IntQFieldOp=0&ExtQFieldOp=0&XmlQuery=&File=D%3A%5CZYFILES%5CINDEX%20DATA%5C76THRU80%5CTXT%5C00000000%5C300014TD.txt&User=ANONYMOUS&Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h%7C-&MaximumDocuments=1&FuzzyDegree=0&ImageQuality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425&Display=p%7Cf&DefSeekPage=x&SearchBack=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc=Results%20page&MaximumPages=1&ZyEntry=1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Test Method 160.2 (Detection 
Limit = 4.0 mg/L),
     Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) without 
nitrification \3\ Test Method 5210 B\3\ (Detection Limit = 2.0 mg/L),
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The equivalent U.S. EPA Test Method for Biochemical Oxygen 
Demand (BOD5) without nitrification is done as carbonaceous 
biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD5) and should not be confused with 
the traditional BOD5 test method which measures ``total BOD''. The 
addition of the nitrification inhibitor is not a procedural option, 
but must be included to report the CBOD5 parameter.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Test Method 410.4 (Detection 
Limit = 3.0 mg/L),
     pH Test Method 150.1 (none stated but not normally 
reported below 0.01),\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ There is no US EPA Test Method listed in 40 CFR 136 so the 
US EPA has adopted American Public Health Association (APHA) 
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The 
current edition is the 22nd edition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Total Nitrogen \5\ 351.2 (Detection Limit = 0.5 mg/L),
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Total Nitrogen means the sum of total Kjeldahl nitrogen 
(organic and ammoniacal nitrogen) nitrate-nitrogen and nitrite-
nitrogen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total Phosphorus Test Method 365.2 (Detection Limit = 0.01 mg/L) 
and Disinfectant residual
     Chlorine Test Method 330.5 (Detection Limit = 0.2 mg/L)
    The Coast Guard is also seeking information on possible simple on 
board checks that may be available and easily used to verify 
performance of a sewage treatment plant with effluent requirements.
    This notice is issued under authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a).

    Dated: October 9, 2015.
F.J. Sturm,
Deputy Director, Commercial Regulations and Standards, U.S. Coast 
Guard.
[FR Doc. 2015-26285 Filed 10-15-15; 8:45 a.m.]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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