Review and Approval of Projects, 16140-16148 [2021-05612]

Agencies

• Susquehanna River Basin Commission

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 57 (Friday, March 26, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16140-16148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05612]


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SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN COMMISSION

18 CFR Part 806


Review and Approval of Projects

AGENCY: Susquehanna River Basin Commission.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; notice of public hearing.

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SUMMARY: This document contains proposed rules that would amend the 
regulations of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (Commission) to 
update the requirements and standards for review of projects, amend the 
rules dealing with groundwater withdrawals, and revise the regulatory 
triggers related to grandfathered sources. These rules are designed to 
enhance and improve the Commission's existing authorities to manage the 
water resources of the basin, add regulatory clarity, and to achieve 
efficiencies and reduced costs in the preparation and review of 
applications for groundwater renewals.

DATES: Comments on the proposed rulemaking may be submitted to the 
Commission on or before May 17, 2021. The Commission has scheduled a 
public hearing on the proposed rulemaking to be held by telephone on 
May 6, 2021. The location of the public hearing is listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document.
    In addition, the Commission will be hold two informational webinars 
explaining the proposed rulemaking on April 6 and April 14, 2021. 
Instructions for registration for the webinars will be posted on the 
Commission's website.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to: Jason E. Oyler, Esq., General 
Counsel, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 4423 N Front Street, 
Harrisburg, PA 17110-1788, or by email to [email protected]. The 
public hearing will be held by telephone rather than at a physical 
location. Conference Call # 1-888-387-8686, the Conference Room Code # 
9179686050.
    Those wishing to testify are asked to notify the Commission in 
advance, if possible, at the regular or electronic addresses given 
below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason E. Oyler, Esq., General Counsel, 
telephone: 717-238-0423, ext. 1312; fax: 717-238-2436; email: 
[email protected]. Also, for further information on the proposed 
rulemaking, visit the Commission's website at https://www.srbc.net.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission is proposing revisions to 
amend several sections of its regulations

[[Page 16141]]

to provide clarity to project sponsors, target only the most 
appropriate activities, and establish a more efficient and effective 
framework to review groundwater withdrawals, which can be data-
intensive and time consuming and costly for both the Commission and the 
project sponsor. The proposed revisions also modify the aquifer testing 
requirements to include an Alternative Hydrogeologic Evaluation(AHE) 
process for certain new and existing projects and establishes where an 
aquifer test or AHE evaluation is not required. As a companion to this 
rulemaking, the Commission is also releasing three policies related to 
groundwater reviews to be open for public comment simultaneously with 
this proposed rulemaking: A revised Aquifer Testing Plan Guidance; a 
new policy on Alternative Hydrogeologic Evaluations; and a new policy 
on Pre-Drill Well Site Review. The Commission recognizes that 
groundwater management will be a challenge under changing climate 
conditions. These rules will ensure wells are permitted and monitored 
in efficient but robust ways that allow the Commission to provide 
dynamic decision making as impacts of climate change manifest. Further, 
the proposed rules and policies will help reduce costs, both to systems 
that are smaller and have economic challenges, including communities 
with environmental justice concerns.
    The Commission is also proposing revisions to update its 
regulations dealing with the triggers that lead to the loss of 
grandfathering, consumptive water use by the natural gas industry, the 
transfer of projects, as well as general updates to its project review 
application procedures.
    In recognition of the Commission's priority of pursuing 
environmental justice initiatives, Commission staff will conduct 
inclusive outreach on this proposal to maximize public awareness and 
participation in the rulemaking process by underrepresented 
communities.

Definitions--Small and Medium Capacity Withdrawals--18 CFR 806.3

    Definitions of small and medium capacity sources are added to 18 
CFR 806.3. The jurisdictional limit for Commission review of a 
withdrawal is 100,000 gallons per day (gpd) over a consecutive 30-day 
average. However, over time, the regulations developed various 
mechanisms that also apply the Commission's regulatory oversight to 
small (under 20,000 gpd) and medium (between 20,000 and 100,000 gpd) 
capacity withdrawals. Current groundwater regulations, policy, and 
review standards subject these sources to the same level of review and 
associated cost implications as large volume withdrawals, regardless of 
their potential risk of adverse impact. The new definitions and 
classification of withdrawals based on size clarifies, and in some 
cases, reduces the level of effort by a project sponsor to seek 
approval to use small and medium capacity sources as well as reduces 
the level of review by the Commission based on the potential risk for 
adverse impact. To the extent these sources in some cases are utilized 
by smaller communities with financial challenges and serving 
disadvantaged communities, it will provide more flexibility moving 
forward for the Commission to consider appropriate measures for such 
consideration.

Projects Requiring Review and Approval--18 CFR 806.4

    Changes are proposed to Sec.  806.4 regarding projects requiring 
review and approval. The proposed revisions eliminate Sec.  
806.4(a)(2)(iii) that captures small and medium capacity sources 
supplying water to a regulated consumptive user. New language has been 
proposed to Sec.  806.4(a)(1) clarifying the regulatory requirements 
for small and medium capacity withdrawals related to a consumptive use 
approval.

Constant-Rate Aquifer Testing and Standards for Water Withdrawals--18 
CFR 806.12 & 806.23

    The Commission is seeking to revise the scope of its constant-rate 
aquifer testing requirements and standards for groundwater withdrawals 
to encourage the use of existing data and review projects in a manner 
commensurate with the level of risk posed by a withdrawal. The proposed 
processes will allow the Commission's review to more adequately 
consider data and information that include changing conditions in the 
environment and with climate to allow for more sustainable and 
resilient withdrawals.
    First, as related to small capacity sources, the Commission finds 
that their size significantly limits the likelihood of adverse impacts 
to aquifers, surface water features or competing water users and the 
Commission is able to utilize methods other than aquifer testing to 
assess the impact of withdrawal from these small sources. Accordingly, 
the rule proposes Sec.  806.12(j) to provide that these small capacity 
sources do not generally need an aquifer test, but does retain the 
flexibility for the Executive Director to determine that one is needed 
for evaluation of resource issues in limited circumstances. Similarly, 
Sec.  806.23(b)(7) is proposed to provide more focused standards for 
small capacity sources.
    Second, existing groundwater regulations, policy and review 
standards include limited differentiation for renewals versus proposed 
new withdrawals. This lack of differentiation limits effective 
consideration of previous aquifer testing results and long-term 
operational data for some existing projects, resulting in increased 
renewal costs to regulated projects and the Commission. The proposed 
rules provide better clarity and the streamlining of review standards, 
especially if the project sponsor is not changing its withdrawal 
quantities as part of the renewal. The rule proposes a new paragraph, 
Sec.  806.12(h), which provides that projects undergoing a renewal with 
the Commission that have also previously completed an aquifer test 
under the Commission's approval can satisfy the aquifer testing 
requirement by relying on the prior test and providing an updated 
groundwater availability estimate. This is conditioned on the project 
sponsor seeking to operate at the previously tested rate of withdrawal. 
Section 806.23(b)(6) is proposed to provide more differentiation 
between reviews for renewed or otherwise existing sources versus new 
projects. This differentiation includes relying on prior testing and 
operational data of existing projects, as well as the alternative 
hydrogeologic evaluation established in Sec.  806.12(i) and the related 
guidance document also proposed. The proposed rule also enshrines the 
Commission's current flexibility to require an aquifer test and/or 
condition docket approvals.
    Third, as related to aquifer testing and an aquifer testing waiver, 
existing regulation, unless formally waived, requires aquifer testing 
of all groundwater wells regardless of setting, size of withdrawal, 
available data, and status as a new, renewing or existing source. The 
existing waiver process used to avoid aquifer testing is not well 
understood by projects or consultants and frequently leads to increased 
costs to both the Commission and projects due to confusion about the 
process and incomplete submittals. The proposed rule amends Sec.  
806.12 to improve this process by adding clarity and more certainty for 
project sponsors but retaining the flexibility that the Commission 
currently has in these reviews. Section 806.12(i) is added to provide 
for the Alternative Hydrogeologic Evaluation (AHE) process to replace 
the previous waiver process. The Commission is also proposing a draft 
AHE policy and a revised Aquifer Testing Guidance that

[[Page 16142]]

provide further clarity and a revised technical approach for these 
evaluations.
    Finally, Sec.  806.12(g) establishes that the hydrogeologic 
evaluation requirements in Sec.  806.12 do not apply to withdrawals 
related to mine dewatering, construction dewatering, water resources 
remediation and acid mine drainage (AMD) remediation facilities to 
support the existing regulatory review provisions for these types of 
facilities codified in Sec.  806.14(b)(6), (d)(6) and 806.23(b)(5). 
Mining and remediation projects in particular are heavily regulated by 
our member jurisdictions, and the proposed rule would allow the 
Commission to rely on the work previously done in order to get member 
jurisdiction approval for these activities.

Contents of Application--18 CFR 806.14

    The proposed rule offers edits to Sec.  806.14 to clarify and 
improve the readability of the regulation and to account for the 
changes to Sec.  806.12. These changes generally fall into two 
categories: (1) Those that increase efficiency through simplification 
and clarification and (2) those that establish updated requirements for 
how groundwater applicants provide data and information required by 
Sec.  806.12. The changes recognize prior determinations (including 
waivers of Sec.  806.12) by the Commission staff which establish clear 
requirements for projects in those situations, remove uncertainty 
regarding previous determinations of aquifer testing requirements, and 
increase efficiency for both application preparation and the review of 
renewal and modification applications by Commission staff. These 
changes will greatly help projects by allowing them to avoid additional 
unnecessary aquifer testing or data collection, especially in those 
situations where the requirements had been previously met. These 
changes are important with the larger number of projects that will be 
seeking renewals for the first time over the next ten years.

Projects Requiring Review and Approval & Transfer of Approvals--18 CFR 
806.4 & 806.6

    Grandfathering, the exemption for certain pre-existing projects to 
operate without formal review and approval, can be lost by a variety of 
mechanisms. The Commission has been overseeing the successful 
implementation of its grandfathering registration program. This program 
was developed to help track an estimated one billion gallons of water 
use a day by grandfathered projects, while allowing them to preserve 
the grandfathered status of their consumptive uses and withdrawals 
through registration with the Commission. This program has been 
successfully filling in the data gaps created by grandfathered projects 
and is thus a valuable effort in the improvement of the water 
management of the basin. With this program in place, the Commission 
proposes to eliminate most of the current triggers for losing 
grandfathering and retain just two: (1) Increasing the usage above the 
registered amount and (2) through a transfer of ownership.
    First, minor changes are proposed to Sec. Sec.  806.4(a)(1)(iii) 
and 806.4(a)(2)(iv) to reflect the closing of the grandfathering 
registration window. Because the term ``pre-compact consumptive use'' 
is defined, it is added to Section 806.4(a)(1)(iii). Similarly, the 
regulatory trigger dates are no longer needed in Section 
806.4(a)(2)(iv); however, they were relocated to Sec.  806.4(a)(2)(i) 
because they still have regulatory significance and cannot be 
eliminated altogether.
    Second, section 806.4(a)(2)(ii) is revised to remove the language 
that acted as a trigger for the loss of grandfathering when a source 
was added or any source of a project was increased in quantity. The 
language related to the review of increases to existing sources is 
removed from (a)(2)(ii) and is now contained in the revised Sec.  
806.4(a)(2)(iii). The revised Sec.  806.4(a)(2)(ii) provides that a 
regulated project that adds a new source must make an application for 
review and approval of that source, but it does not serve as a trigger 
for loss of grandfathering and subject the entire project to review, as 
it previously did. Similarly, revised Sec.  806.4(a)(2)(iii) provides 
that any previously approved withdrawal that increases above its 
approval amount must make an application for review and approval of the 
increased amount. However, this increase does not subject the entire 
project to review and approval, as it previously did, which was also a 
trigger for loss of grandfathering.
    Third, for diversions, minor adjustments to Sec. Sec.  
806.4(a)(3)(iii) and (iv) were needed to make the provisions related to 
grandfathered diversions be consistent with the changes made to 
grandfathered withdrawals and consumptive uses.
    Fourth, change of ownership remains a pathway for the loss of 
grandfathering under Sec. Sec.  806.4(a)(1)(iv), (a)(2)(v), and 
(a)(3)(iv). This is also reflected in Sec.  806.6(b). All of these 
provisions are simplified and revised to reflect that the 
grandfathering registration period is now closed.
    Fifth, a new paragraph Sec.  806.6(d) is added to provide the new 
sponsor of a transferred project time to collect operational data that 
would allow it to take advantage of the AHE and not have to immediately 
prepare applications for the source(s) that have lost grandfathering. 
These changes are also consistent with the direction provided by the 
Commissioners in Resolution 2017-12 related to inter-municipal 
transfers.
    Under the proposed rule, a new project owner with registered 
grandfathered sources undergoing a qualified change in ownership would 
be required to comply with the existing monitoring requirements under 
Sec.  806.30 for all sources, along with any other conditions necessary 
to effectuate the transfer. Additionally, for any unapproved sources, 
the approved transfer will act as the project's approval for a period 
of five years, at which point, the project sponsor must submit an 
application for review and approval of the sources. This would provide 
ample time for the new project sponsor to collect operational data for 
these existing sources and potentially avoid the cost of an aquifer 
test.
    Related to transfers, the proposed rule eliminates the corporate 
reorganization exception in Sec.  806.4(b). This exception caused 
confusion to project sponsors, was difficult to implement and was 
infrequently used.

Standards for Consumptive Uses of Water for Natural Gas Projects--18 
CFR 806.22(f)

    Section 806.22(f) is amended to update the Commission's regulation 
of consumptive waster use for unconventional natural gas extraction. 
Commission staff conducted an internal review of processes and 
procedures used by its Approval by Rule program and has developed these 
changes to update the regulations to address the evolution of this 
program and the industry.
    Section 806.22(f)(11)(ii) is amended to include captured 
stormwater, which includes corresponding changes to Sec.  
806.4(a)(3)(v) through (vii) and adding a definition of ``captured 
stormwater'' to Sec.  806.3. The purpose of this change is to make 
clear that this captured stormwater is covered under the Commission's 
regulatory approvals, which is consistent with how these regulations 
have been interpreted.
    The proposed rule also eliminates the concept of ``hydrocarbon 
water storage facilities'' from the regulations. There are two reasons 
for this change. First, this concept was developed early on in the 
Commission's initial response to the

[[Page 16143]]

development of the unconventional natural gas industry. However, the 
industry's water use evolved in a manner where approvals of this type 
were never issued by the Commission. Second, the Commission began 
regulating and tracking consumptive use by the natural gas industry at 
the source of withdrawal. This method of tracking has proven itself to 
be effective and enforceable and obviates the need for the water 
storage facility provisions, both now and in the future. Accordingly, 
the Commission is proposing corresponding changes to Sec. Sec.  806.3, 
806.22(f)(11)(iv), and 806.22(f)(14).
    Section 806.22(f)(4) is revised to eliminate some of the specific 
details for what is ultimately captured in the post-hydrofracture 
report. This report is still required; however, this revision makes it 
easier for the Commission to revise the items requested in the report 
and the Commission intends to align this report with the post-drilling 
completion reports filed with the member jurisdictions to avoid any 
duplication of effort.
    Sections 806.22(f)(12) and (13) are amended to track and support 
the Commission's current practices with respect to the use of non-
public and public water suppliers by the natural gas industry as a 
source for water.

Other Changes

    Interconnections. The Commission is proposing to eliminate language 
in Sec.  806.4(a)(2) that subjected public water supply 
interconnections to specific review and approval requirements. The 
Commission is adding language dealing with interconnections as a part 
of a project in its review standards for water withdrawals in Sec.  
806.23. Public water supply interconnections are closely regulated by 
member jurisdictions and these revisions allow the Commission to avoid 
any duplication of effort.
    Diversions for Municipalities on the Basin Divide. The proposed 
rule adds a paragraph Sec.  806.4(a)(3)(viii) that would allow the 
diversion of drinking water or sewage into or out of the basin without 
applying for approval from the Commission. The diversion would have to 
be by or through a publicly or privately owned public water supplier or 
wastewater treatment works and, for out of basin diversions, service a 
municipality that was on or adjacent to the basin divide in order to be 
eligible for the exemption. The primary purpose of the Commission's 
regulations for reviewing diversions of water into the basin is to 
ensure that the water quality of the incoming water is not a threat to 
affect the water quality of the water resources of the basin. Where 
municipalities may cross the basin divide for the operation of drinking 
water and wastewater systems that are regulated by the member 
jurisdictions, any water quality concerns are fully mitigated by the 
regulatory oversight of the member jurisdictions and additional review 
by the Commission is unnecessary.
    Notice Provisions. Changes are proposed to Sec.  806.15 to clarify, 
update, and improve the readability of the regulation, as well as to 
align the notice requirements for applications for minor modifications, 
notices of intent (NOIs) for general permits, approvals by rule under 
Sec.  806.22(e), approvals by rule (ABR) under Sec.  806.22(f)(9) and 
source approvals under Sec.  806.22(f)(13). The notice requirements in 
existing Sec. Sec.  806.15(d), (e) and (f) are deleted and consolidated 
in part in a new Sec.  806.15(g). The notice for groundwater 
withdrawals under Sec.  806.15(b)(1) is revised to provide notice to 
property owners within a quarter mile radius of the withdrawal.
    Minor Modifications. In 2015, the Commission added Sec.  806.18 
providing a process for minor modifications. This addition has been 
successful in creating an efficient method for the Commission to 
process changes to its approvals that are primarily administrative and 
do not rise to the level of major modifications. Based on the 
Commission's experience since 2015, it is proposing to modify and add 
new categories of changes that would qualify as minor modifications. 
The addition of Sec. Sec.  806.18(c)(10) and (11) also aid in the 
implementation of the Consumptive Use Mitigation Policy adopted in 
March 2020.
    Consumptive Use Approvals--ABR(e). Consumptive users who are 
entirely sourced by public water supply, stormwater, wastewater, or 
reused or recycled water are eligible for a streamlined approval by 
rule under Sec.  806.22(e). Section 806.22(e)(6) is revised to allow 
for discontinuance as a consumptive use mitigation option for these 
approvals to be consistent with and support the recently adopted 
Consumptive Use Mitigation Policy. Section 806.22(e)(8) is revised to 
allow the Executive Director to permit a project sponsor to continue to 
use the ABR(e) process if they use a small capacity well for 
consumptive use or for use only for supply of potable water. These 
small wells are below the Commission's regulatory thresholds and their 
use should not be a reason to disallow the use of the ABR(e) process 
for project sponsors who use them to service their facilities.
    Emergency Certificates. Section 806.34 is revised to allow an 
emergency certificate to be issued by the Executive Director for a term 
that allows the Commission to place the extension of a certificate on 
its public hearing notice. Currently, the rule requires that these 
certificates are valid until the next scheduled Commission meeting 
where they can be extended by the Commissioners, but typically this 
occurs after the public hearing has already been noticed and held. This 
change allows for greater public input and transparency when the 
project sponsor seeks the Commission's approval to extend the term of 
these certificates for a longer period of time.

List of Subjects in 18 CFR Part 806

    Administrative practice and procedure, Water resources.

    Accordingly, for the reasons set forth in the preamble, the 
Susquehanna River Basin Commission proposes to amend 18 CFR part 806 as 
follows:

PART 806--REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF PROJECTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 806 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 3.4, 3.5(5), 3.8, 3.10 and 15.2, Pub. L. 91-
575, 84 Stat. 1509 et seq.

0
2. In Sec.  806.3:
0
a. Add, in alphabetical order, the definition for ``Captured 
stormwater'';
0
b. Remove the definition of ``Hydrocarbon water storage facility''; and
0
c. Add, in alphabetical order, the definitions for ``Medium capacity 
source'' and ``Small capacity source''.
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  806.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Captured stormwater. Precipitation or stormwater collected on the 
drilling pad site, including well cellar water, waters from secondary 
containment, and water collected from post construction stormwater 
management features.
* * * * *
    Medium capacity source. A ground or surface water source with a 
withdrawal of more than 20,000 but less than 100,000 gallons per day 
over a consecutive 30 day-average.
* * * * *
    Small capacity source. A ground or surface water source with a 
withdrawal of 20,000 gallons or less per day over a consecutive 30-day 
average.
* * * * *
0
3. Revise Sec.  806.4 to read as follows:

[[Page 16144]]

Sec.  806.4  Projects requiring review and approval.

    (a) Except for activities relating to site evaluation, to aquifer 
testing under Sec.  806.12 or to those activities authorized under 
Sec.  806.34, no person shall undertake any of the following projects 
without prior review and approval by the Commission. The project 
sponsor shall submit an application in accordance with subpart B of 
this part and shall be subject to the applicable standards in subpart C 
of this part.
    (1) Consumptive use of water. Any consumptive use project described 
in this paragraph (a)(1) shall require an application to be submitted 
in accordance with Sec.  806.13, and shall be subject to the standards 
set forth in Sec.  806.22, and, to the extent that it involves a 
withdrawal from groundwater or surface water except a small capacity 
source, shall also be subject to the standards set forth in Sec.  
806.23 as the Commission deems necessary. Except to the extent that 
they involve the diversion of the waters of the basin, public water 
supplies shall be exempt from the requirements of this section 
regarding consumptive use; provided, however, that nothing in this 
section shall be construed to exempt individual consumptive users 
connected to any such public water supply from the requirements of this 
section. Provided the commission determines that low flow augmentation 
projects sponsored by the commission's member states provide sufficient 
mitigation for agricultural water use to meet the standards set forth 
in Sec.  806.22, and except as otherwise provided in this paragraph 
(a)(1), agricultural water use projects shall not be subject to the 
requirements of this paragraph (a)(1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, 
an agricultural water use project involving a diversion of the waters 
of the basin shall be subject to such requirements unless the property, 
or contiguous parcels of property, upon which the agricultural water 
use project occurs is located at least partially within the basin.
    (i) Any project initiated on or after January 23, 1971, involving a 
consumptive water use of an average of 20,000 gallons per day (gpd) or 
more in any consecutive 30-day period.
    (ii) With respect to projects previously approved by the Commission 
for consumptive use, any project that will involve an increase in a 
consumptive use above that amount which was previously approved.
    (iii) With respect to projects with pre-compact consumptive use:
    (A) Registered in accordance with subpart E of this part that 
increases its consumptive use by any amount over the quantity 
determined under Sec.  806.44;
    (B) Increasing its consumptive use to an average of 20,000 gpd or 
more in any consecutive 30-day period; or
    (C) That failed to register its consumptive use in accordance with 
subpart E of this part.
    (iv) Any project, regardless of when initiated, involving a 
consumptive use of an average of 20,000 gpd or more in any consecutive 
30-day period, and undergoing a change of ownership, unless such 
project satisfies the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section or 
the existing Commission approval for such project is transferred 
pursuant to Sec.  806.6.
    (2) Withdrawals. Any project, including all of its sources, 
described in this paragraph (a)(2) shall require an application to be 
submitted in accordance with Sec.  806.13, and shall be subject to the 
standards set forth in Sec. Sec.  806.21 and 806.23. Hydroelectric 
projects, except to the extent that such projects involve a withdrawal, 
shall be exempt from the requirements of this section regarding 
withdrawals; provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph (a)(2) 
shall be construed as exempting hydroelectric projects from review and 
approval under any other category of project requiring review and 
approval as set forth in this section, Sec.  806.5, or 18 CFR part 801.
    (i) Any project initiated on or after July 13, 1978 for groundwater 
or November 11, 1995 for surface water withdrawing a consecutive 30-day 
average of 100,000 gpd or more from a groundwater or surface water 
source, or any project initiated after January 1, 2007 withdrawing a 
consecutive 30-day average of 100,000 gpd or more from a combination of 
sources.
    (ii) Any new source added to projects with previously approved 
withdrawals by the Commission.
    (iii) Any withdrawal increased above that amount which was 
previously approved by the Commission.
    (iv) With respect to projects with grandfathered withdrawals:
    (A) Registered in accordance with subpart E of this part that 
increases its withdrawal by any amount over the quantity determined 
under Sec.  806.44;
    (B) Increasing its withdrawal individually or in combination from 
all sources to an average of 100,000 gpd or more in any consecutive 30-
day period; or
    (C) That failed to register its withdrawals in accordance with 
subpart E of this part.
    (v) Any project, regardless of when initiated, involving a 
withdrawal of a consecutive 30-day average of 100,000 gpd or more, from 
either groundwater or surface water sources, or in combination from 
both, and undergoing a change of ownership, unless such project 
satisfies the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section or the 
existing Commission approval for such project is transferred pursuant 
to Sec.  806.6.
    (3) Diversions. Except with respect to agricultural water use 
projects not subject to the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section, the projects described in paragraphs (a)(3)(i) through (iv) of 
this section shall require an application to be submitted in accordance 
with Sec.  806.13, and shall be subject to the standards set forth in 
Sec.  806.24. The project sponsors of out-of-basin diversions shall 
also comply with all applicable requirements of this part relating to 
consumptive uses and withdrawals. The projects identified in paragraphs 
(a)(3)(v) and (vi) of this section shall be subject to regulation 
pursuant to Sec.  806.22(f).
    (i) Any project initiated on or after January 23, 1971, involving 
the diversion of water into the basin by any amount, or involving a 
diversion of water out of the basin of an average of 20,000 gallons of 
water per day or more in any consecutive 30-day period.
    (ii) With respect to diversions previously approved by the 
Commission, any project that will increase a diversion above the amount 
previously approved.
    (iii) With respect to diversions initiated prior to January 23, 
1971, any project that will increase a diversion into the basin by any 
amount, or increase the diversion of water out of the basin by any 
amount.
    (iv) Any project, regardless of when initiated, involving the 
diversion of water into the basin by any amount or involving a 
diversion of water out of the basin by an average of 20,000 gallons of 
water per day or more in any consecutive 30-day period, and undergoing 
a change of ownership, unless such project satisfies the requirements 
of paragraph (b) of this section or the Commission approval for such 
project is transferred pursuant to Sec.  806.6.
    (v) The interbasin diversion of any flowback or production fluids, 
tophole water and captured stormwater from hydrocarbon development 
projects from one drilling pad site to another drilling pad site for 
use in hydrofracture stimulation, provided it is handled, transported 
and stored in compliance with all standards and requirements of the 
applicable member jurisdiction, shall not be subject to separate review 
and approval as a diversion under this paragraph if the generating or 
receiving

[[Page 16145]]

pad site is subject to an Approval by Rule issued pursuant to Sec.  
806.22(f) and provided all monitoring and reporting requirements 
applicable to such approval are met.
    (vi) The diversion of flowback or production fluids, tophole water 
and captured stormwater from a hydrocarbon development project for 
which an Approval by Rule has been issued pursuant to Sec.  806.22(f), 
to an out-of-basin treatment or disposal facility authorized under 
separate governmental approval to accept flowback or production fluids, 
shall not be subject to separate review and approval as a diversion 
under this paragraph, provided all monitoring and reporting 
requirements applicable to the Approval by Rule are met and it is 
handled, transported and stored in compliance with all standards and 
requirements of the applicable member jurisdiction.
    (vii) The diversion of any flowback or production fluids, tophole 
water and captured stormwater from hydrocarbon development projects 
located outside the basin to an in-basin treatment or disposal facility 
authorized under separate government approval to accept flowback or 
production fluids, shall not be subject to separate review and approval 
as a diversion under this paragraph (a)(3), provided the fluids are 
handled, transported and stored in compliance with all standards and 
requirements of the applicable member jurisdiction.
    (viii) The diversion of drinking water and/or municipal wastewater 
out of the basin to a municipality on or straddling the basin divide if 
provided by or through a publicly or privately owned entity and 
regulated by the appropriate agency of the member jurisdiction shall 
not be subject to review and approval as a diversion under this 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section or as a consumptive use under 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
    (ix) The diversion of drinking water and/or municipal wastewater 
into the basin to a municipality if provided by or through a publicly 
or privately owned entity and regulated by the appropriate agency of 
the member jurisdiction shall not be subject to review and approval as 
a diversion under paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
    (4) Crossing state boundaries. Any project on or crossing the 
boundary between two member states.
    (5) Significant effect. Any project in a member state having a 
significant effect on water resources in another member state.
    (6) Comprehensive plan. Any project which has been or is required 
to be included by the Commission in its comprehensive plan, or will 
have a significant effect upon the comprehensive plan.
    (7) Determination. Any other project so determined by the 
commissioners or Executive Director pursuant to Sec.  806.5 or 18 CFR 
part 801. Such project sponsors shall be notified in writing by the 
Executive Director.
    (8) Natural gas. Any unconventional natural gas development project 
in the basin involving a withdrawal, diversion or consumptive use, 
regardless of the quantity.
    (9) General permit. Any project subject to coverage under a general 
permit issued under Sec.  806.17.
    (b) Any project that did not require Commission approval prior to 
January 1, 2007, and undergoing a change of ownership, shall be exempt 
from the requirements of paragraph (a)(1)(iv), (a)(2)(v) or (a)(3)(iv) 
of this section if it is a:
    (1) Transfer of a project to the transferor's spouse or one or more 
lineal descendents, or any spouse of such lineal descendents, or to a 
corporation owned or controlled by the transferor, or the transferor's 
spouse or lineal descendents, or any spouse of such lineal descendents, 
for so long as the combined ownership interest of the transferor, the 
transferor's spouse and/or the transferor's lineal descendent(s) and 
their spouses, continues to be 51 percent or greater; or
    (2) Transfer of land used primarily for the raising of food, fiber 
or forage crops, trees, flowers, shrubs, turf products, livestock, or 
poultry, or for aquaculture, to the extent that, and for so long as, 
the project's water use continues to be for such agricultural water use 
purposes.
0
4. Amend Sec.  806.6 by revising paragraphs (a)(5) and (b) and by 
adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  806.6  Transfer of approvals.

    (a) * * *
    (5) If the existing project has an unapproved withdrawal, 
consumptive use and/or diversion listed in paragraph (b) of this 
section, the transfer shall be conditioned to require the submission of 
a new application for review and approval of the unapproved withdrawal, 
consumptive use and/or diversion consistent with Sec. Sec.  806.4 and 
806.14 and paragraph (d) of this section.
* * * * *
    (b) Previously unapproved activities associated with a project 
subject to transfer under paragraph (a) include:
    (1) The project has an associated pre-compact consumptive water use 
that has not had mitigation approved by the Commission.
    (2) The project has an associated diversion that was initiated 
prior to January 23, 1971.
    (3) Projects registered under subpart E of this part.
* * * * *
    (d) Any unapproved activities associated with a transferred project 
shall be subject to the following:
    (1) The transfer approval shall be conditioned to include 
monitoring requirements under Sec.  806.30 for all previously 
unapproved sources and activities.
    (2) The transfer approval may include any other conditions 
consistent with this part deemed necessary by the Executive Director.
    (3) The approved transfer will act as the unapproved activity's 
temporary approval for a period of five years, at which point, the 
project sponsor shall submit an application for review and approval 
consistent with subpart B of this part.
    (4) The Executive Director may require hydrogeologic evaluation 
under Sec.  806.12 and/or formal review and approval of any of the 
previously unapproved sources sooner if those sources show a 
substantial likelihood of environmental harm, interference with other 
water users or water availability issues.
0
5. Revise Sec.  806.12 to read as follows:


Sec.  806.12  Hydrogeologic evaluation.

    Evaluation of groundwater withdrawal projects requires a 
hydrogeologic evaluation, which may be an aquifer test in accordance 
with an approved plan or an alternative hydrogeologic evaluation in 
conformance with this section.
    (a) Prior to submission of an application pursuant to Sec.  806.13, 
a project sponsor seeking approval for a new groundwater withdrawal, a 
renewal of an expiring groundwater withdrawal, or an increase of a 
groundwater withdrawal shall perform an aquifer test.
    (b) Unless an alternative hydrogeologic evaluation method is 
approved, the project sponsor shall prepare an aquifer test plan for 
prior review and approval by Commission staff before testing is 
undertaken. Such plan shall include a groundwater availability analysis 
to determine the availability of water during a 1-in-10-year recurrence 
interval.
    (c) Unless otherwise specified, approval of a test plan is valid 
for two years from the date of approval.
    (d) Approval of a test plan shall not be construed to limit the 
authority of the Commission to require additional testing or 
monitoring.

[[Page 16146]]

    (e) The project sponsor may be required, at its expense, to provide 
temporary water supply if an aquifer test results in interference with 
an existing water use.
    (f) Review of submittals under this section may be terminated by 
the Commission in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sec.  
806.16.
    (g) This section does not apply to withdrawals related to mine 
dewatering, water resources remediation or AMD facilities, provided the 
activity is governed by another regulatory agency.
    (h) Sources undergoing renewal that can provide an interpretative 
hydrogeologic report that documents the results of a Commission 
approved aquifer test or documentation of an approved prior waiver by 
the Commission may meet the requirements of Sec.  806.12 for that 
previously approved groundwater source.
    (i) In lieu of completing a Commission-approved aquifer test, the 
project sponsor may submit an Alternative Hydrogeologic Evaluation 
(AHE) that provides supporting information equivalent to that which 
would be obtained from completing an approved aquifer test under 
paragraph (a) of this section. This supporting information includes, 
but is not limited to, prior aquifer testing data, the withdrawal 
setting and location, existing site specific operational data, and 
prior Commission approved waivers of aquifer testing requirements. 
Commission staff may approve an AHE for a project or require completion 
of a Commission approved aquifer test in accordance with paragraph (a) 
of this section.
    (j) This section does not apply to withdrawals from a small 
capacity source, unless otherwise determined by the Executive Director.
0
6. Amend Sec.  806.14 by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a)(2) and (3), (b)(1) and (2), and (c)(2), (3) 
and (5);
0
b. Adding paragraphs (c)(10) and (11); and
0
c. Revising paragraph (d).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  806.14  Contents of application.

    (a) * * *
    (2) Project location, including latitude and longitude coordinates 
in decimal degrees accurate to within 10 meters, the project location 
displayed on a map, and evidence of legal access to the property upon 
which the project is proposed.
    (3) Project description, including: Purpose, proposed quantity to 
be withdrawn or consumed, if applicable, and description of all 
sources, consumptive uses and diversions related to the project.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Surface Water. (i) Water use and availability.
    (ii) Project setting, including surface water characteristics, 
identification of wetlands, and site development considerations.
    (iii) Description and design of intake structure.
    (iv) Anticipated impact of the proposed project on local flood 
risk, recreational uses, fish and wildlife and natural environment 
features.
    (v) For new projects and major modifications to increase a 
withdrawal, alternatives analysis for a withdrawal proposed in settings 
with a drainage area of 50 miles square or less, or in a water with 
exceptional water quality, or as required by the Commission.
    (2) Groundwater. (i) With the exception other projects which are 
addressed in paragraph (b)(6) of this section, the project sponsor 
shall demonstrate that requirements of Sec.  806.12 have been met by 
providing one of the following:
    (A) An interpretive report that includes the results of a 
Commission approved aquifer test and an updated groundwater 
availability estimate if changed from the aquifer test plan,
    (B) An approved AHE,
    (C) A prior determination by the Commission staff under Sec.  
806.12(h) that the intent and requirements of Sec.  806.12 have been 
met along with an updated groundwater availability estimate.
    (ii) Water use and availability.
    (iii) Project setting, including nearby surface water features.
    (iv) Groundwater elevation monitoring plan for all production 
wells.
    (v) Alternatives analysis as required by the Commission.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Project location, including latitude and longitude coordinates 
in decimal degrees accurate to within 10 meters, the project location 
displayed on map, and evidence of legal access to the property upon 
which the project is located.
    (3) Project description, to include, but not be limited to: 
Purpose, proposed quantity to be withdrawn or consumed if applicable, 
description of all sources, consumptive uses and diversions related to 
the project and any proposed project modifications.
* * * * *
    (5) An as-built and approved metering plan that conforms to Sec.  
806.30.
* * * * *
    (10) Changes to the facility design.
    (11) Any proposed changes to the previously authorized purpose.
    (d) Additional information is required for the following 
applications for renewal of expiring approved projects.
    (1) Surface water. (i) Description and as-built of intake 
structure.
    (ii) For renewals seeking to increase a withdrawal, alternatives 
analysis for a withdrawal proposed in settings with a drainage area of 
50 miles square or less, or in a waterway with exceptional water 
quality, or as required by the Commission.
    (2) Groundwater. (i) The project sponsor shall demonstrate that 
requirements of Sec.  806.12 have been met by providing one of the 
following:
    (A) Provide an interpretive report that includes the results of a 
Commission approved aquifer test and an updated GW availability 
estimate if changed from the aquifer test plan;
    (B) An approved AHE; or
    (C) A prior determination by the Commission staff under Sec.  
806.12(h) that the intent and requirements of Sec.  806.12 have been 
met.
    (ii) An interpretative report providing analysis and comparison of 
current and historic water withdrawal and groundwater elevation data 
with previously completed materials to demonstrate satisfaction of 
Sec.  806.12, which may include a hydrogeologic report from previous 
aquifer testing, an approved AHE or prior determination of waiver of 
aquifer testing.
    (iii) Current groundwater availability analysis assessing the 
availability of water during a 1-in-10 year drought recurrence interval 
under the existing conditions within the recharge area and predicted 
for term of renewal (i.e., other users, discharges, and land 
development within the groundwater recharge area).
    (iv) Groundwater elevation monitoring plan for all production 
wells.
    (v) Alternatives analysis as required by the Commission.
    (3) Consumptive use. (i) Consumptive use calculations.
    (ii) Mitigation plan, including method of consumptive use 
mitigation.
    (4) Into basin diversion. (i) Provide the necessary information to 
demonstrate that the project will continue to meet the standards in 
Sec.  806.24(c).
    (ii) Identification of the source and current water quality 
characteristics of the water to be diverted.
    (5) Out of basin diversion. (i) Provide the necessary information 
to demonstrate that the project will continue to meet the standards in 
Sec.  806.24(b).

[[Page 16147]]

    (6) Other projects. Other projects, including without limitation, 
mine dewatering, water resources remediation projects, and AMD 
facilities that qualify as a withdrawal.
    (i) In lieu of a hydrogeologic evaluation, a copy of approved 
report(s) prepared for any other purpose or as required by other 
governmental regulatory agencies that provides a demonstration of the 
hydrogeologic and/or hydrologic effects and limits of said effects due 
to operation of the project and effects on local water availability.
    (ii) Any data or reports that demonstrate effects of the project 
are consistent with those reports provided in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of 
this section.
    (iii) Demonstration of continued need for expiring approved water 
source and quantity.
* * * * *
0
7. Revise Sec.  806.15 to read as follows:


Sec.  806.15   Notice of application.

    (a) Except with respect to paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) of this 
section, any project sponsor submitting an application to the 
Commission shall provide notice thereof to the appropriate agency of 
the member State, each municipality in which the project is located, 
and the county and the appropriate county agencies in which the project 
is located. The project sponsor shall also publish notice of submission 
of the application at least once in a newspaper of general circulation 
serving the area in which the project is located. The project sponsor 
shall also meet any of the notice requirements set forth in paragraphs 
(b) through (d) of this section, if applicable. All notices required 
under this section shall be provided or published no later than 20 days 
after submission of the application to the Commission and shall be in a 
form and manner as prescribed by the Commission.
    (b) For withdrawal applications submitted pursuant to Sec.  
806.4(a)(2) for new projects, major modifications, and renewals 
requesting an increase, the project sponsor shall also provide the 
notice required under paragraph (a) of this section to each property 
owner listed on the tax assessment rolls of the county in which such 
property is located and identified as follows:
    (1) For groundwater withdrawal applications, the owner of any 
contiguous property that is located within a one-quarter mile radius of 
the proposed withdrawal location.
    (2) For surface water withdrawal applications, the owner of any 
property that is riparian or littoral to the body of water from which 
the proposed withdrawal will be taken and is within a one-half mile 
radius of the proposed withdrawal location.
    (3) For groundwater withdrawal applications, the Commission or 
Executive Director may allow notification of property owners through 
alternate methods where the property of such property owner is served 
by a public water supply.
    (c) For projects involving a diversion of water out of the basin, 
the project sponsor shall also publish a notice of the submission of 
its application at least once in a newspaper of general circulation 
serving the area outside the basin where the project proposing to use 
the diverted water is located. For projects involving a diversion of 
water into the basin, the project sponsor shall also publish a notice 
of the submission of its application at least once in a newspaper of 
general circulation serving the area outside the basin where the 
withdrawal of water proposed for diversion is located.
    (d) The project sponsor shall provide the Commission with a copy of 
the United States Postal Service return receipt or the verified return 
receipt from a comparable delivery service for the notifications to 
agencies of member States, municipalities, counties and appropriate 
county agencies required under this section. The project sponsor shall 
also provide certification on a form provided by the Commission that it 
has published the newspaper notice(s) required by this section and made 
the landowner notifications as required under paragraph (b) of this 
section, if applicable. The project sponsor shall maintain all proofs 
of publication and records of notices sent under this section for the 
duration of the approval related to such notices.
    (e) For Notices of Intent (NOI) seeking coverage under a general 
permit, the project sponsor shall provide notice of the NOI to the 
appropriate agency of the member State and each municipality and county 
and appropriate county agencies in which the project is located and any 
additional notice identified in the general permit.
    (f) For applications for minor modifications and approvals by rule 
under Sec.  806.22(e), the project sponsor shall provide notice of the 
application to the appropriate agency of the member State and each 
municipality and county and appropriate county agencies in the which 
the project is located.
    (g) For NOIs seeking an approval pursuant to Sec.  806.22(f), the 
project sponsor shall provide notice of the application to the 
appropriate agency of the member State, each municipality, county and 
appropriate county agencies, and the owner of the property on or in 
which the drilling pad site is located. For requests for approval 
submitted under Sec.  806.22(f)(13), the project sponsor shall provide 
notice of the application to the appropriate agency of the member 
State, each municipality, county and appropriate county agencies in 
which the public water supply is located.
0
8. Amend Sec.  806.18 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  806.18   Approval modifications.

* * * * *
    (c) Minor modifications. The following are minor modifications:
    (1) Correction of typographical or other errors;
    (2) Changes to monitoring or metering conditions;
    (3) Addition, amendment or removal of sources of water for 
consumptive use or project descriptions;
    (4) Changes to the authorized water uses;
    (5) Changes to conditions setting a schedule for developing, 
implementing, and/or reporting on monitoring, data collection and 
analyses;
    (6) Changes to the design and minor changes to the location of 
intakes;
    (7) Increases to total system limits that were established based on 
the projected demand of the project; and
    (8) Modifications of extraction well network used for groundwater 
remediation systems.
    (9) Adjustments to a term of an approval to align the approval with 
a member jurisdiction approval or another docket approval by the 
Commission.
    (10) Changes to the method of consumptive use mitigation to payment 
of the mitigation fee, providing for discontinuance, use of storage or 
an adequate conservation release in accordance with a previous 
Commission determination.
    (11) Addition of stormwater as a source of consumptive use, 
including an increase to the total consumptive use related to the 
stormwater use.
    (12) Extension of the date of commencement of a withdrawal, 
diversion or consumptive use established under Sec.  806.31(b).
* * * * *
0
9. Amend Sec.  806.22 by revising paragraphs (e)(6) and (8), and (f)(4) 
and (11) through (14) to read as follows:


Sec.  806.22   Standards for consumptive use of water.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (6) Mitigation. The project sponsor shall comply with mitigation in

[[Page 16148]]

accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(iii), (b)(2) or (3) of this section.
* * * * *
    (8) Decision. The Executive Director may grant, deny, suspend, 
revoke, modify or condition an approval to operate under this approval 
by rule, or renew an existing approval by rule previously granted 
hereunder, and will notify the project sponsor of such determination, 
including the quantity of consumptive use approved. Use of small 
capacity sources or sources used only for supply of potable water may 
be appropriately included as a part of this approval by rule in the 
discretion of the Executive Director.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (4) The project sponsor shall comply with metering, daily use 
monitoring and quarterly reporting as specified in Sec.  806.30, or as 
otherwise required by the approval by rule. The project sponsor shall 
submit a post-hydrofracture report in a form and manner as prescribed 
by the Commission.
* * * * *
    (11) In addition to water sources approved for use by the project 
sponsor pursuant to Sec.  806.4 or this section, for unconventional 
natural gas development or hydrocarbon development, whichever is 
applicable, a project sponsor issued an approval by rule pursuant to 
paragraph (f)(9) of this section may utilize any of the following water 
sources at the drilling pad site, subject to such monitoring and 
reporting requirements as the Commission may prescribe:
    (i) Tophole water encountered during the drilling process, provided 
it is used only for drilling or hydrofracture stimulation.
    (ii) Captured stormwater, provided it is used only for drilling or 
hydrofracture stimulation.
    (iii) Drilling fluids, formation fluids, flowback or production 
fluids obtained from a drilling pad site, production well site or 
hydrocarbon water storage facility, provided it is used only for 
hydrofracture stimulation, and is handled, transported and stored in 
compliance with all standards and requirements of the applicable member 
jurisdiction.
    (12) A project sponsor issued an approval by rule pursuant to 
paragraph (f)(9) of this section may utilize a source of water, except 
a public water supply, approved by the Commission pursuant to Sec.  
806.4(a) and issued to persons other than the project sponsor, provided 
any such source is approved for use in unconventional natural gas 
development, or hydrocarbon development, whichever is applicable, the 
project sponsor has an agreement for its use and the project sponsor 
registers such source with the Commission on a form and in the manner 
prescribed by the Commission. Use of the registered source shall not 
commence until the Commission acknowledges in writing that the 
registration is proper and complete.
    (13) A project sponsor issued an approval by rule pursuant to 
paragraph (f)(9) of this section may also utilize other sources of 
water, including but not limited to, water withdrawals or wastewater 
discharge not otherwise associated with an approval issued by the 
Commission pursuant to Sec.  806.4(a), public water supplies, or 
another approval by rule issued pursuant to paragraph (f)(9) of this 
section, provided such sources are first approved by the Executive 
Director. Any request for approval shall be submitted on a form and in 
the manner prescribed by the Commission, shall satisfy the notice 
requirements set forth in Sec.  806.15, and shall be subject to review 
pursuant to the standards set forth in subpart C of this part.
    (14) [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
10. Amend Sec.  806.23 by revising paragraphs (b) introductory text and 
(b)(4), and adding paragraphs (b)(6) and (7), to read as follows:


Sec.  806.23   Standards for water withdrawals.

* * * * *
    (b) Limitations on and considerations for withdrawals.
* * * * *
    (4) The Commission may require the project sponsor to undertake the 
following, to ensure its ability to meet its present or reasonably 
foreseeable water needs from available groundwater or surface water 
without limitation:
    (i) Investigate additional sources, interconnections or storage 
options to meet the demand of the project.
    (ii) Submit a water resource development plan that shall include, 
without limitation, sufficient data to address any supply deficiencies, 
identify alternative water supply options, including interconnections, 
and support existing and proposed future withdrawals.
* * * * *
    (6) Notwithstanding this paragraph, existing withdrawals that 
successfully complete the process in Sec.  806.12(h) and (i) shall 
satisfy the standards in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. Further, 
evaluation of the withdrawal shall include reasonably foreseeable need 
and the need for total system limits, compliance with Sec.  806.21, and 
any changes to the project or project location and setting.
    (i) Approval of withdrawal limits on existing sources will not be 
set above the amount supported by the existing historical and current 
operating data or otherwise supported by the evaluation under Sec.  
806.12, and may be set at a different rate if supported by the 
evaluation required in this paragraph.
    (ii) Any approvals shall include metering and measurement of 
parameters consistent with Sec.  806.30, and may include conditions 
requiring monitoring of surface water features or other withdrawal 
sources.
    (iii) If any reported metering or monitoring data or other 
information show a significant adverse impact to any consideration in 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the Commission may take actions 
necessary to eliminate the significant adverse impact, including but 
not limited to requiring the project to undertake more data collection 
and analysis, aquifer testing and/or conditioning the docket approval.
    (7) Notwithstanding this paragraph, small capacity sources shall be 
subject to any withdrawal limit, including total system limit, set by 
the Commission and shall include metering and measurement of parameters 
consistent with Sec.  806.30.
0
11. Amend Sec.  806.34 by revising paragraph (c)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  806.34   Emergencies.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) With the concurrence of the chairperson of the Commission and 
the commissioner from the affected member state, issue an emergency 
certificate for a term not to extend beyond the next regular business 
meeting of the Commission where the extension of the certificate may be 
included in the notice for the next regularly scheduled public hearing 
for that business meeting.
* * * * *

    Dated: March 15, 2021.
Jason E. Oyler,
Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2021-05612 Filed 3-25-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7040-01-P